Barbara Dee Lane

On March 23rd, 2021, our Mother received a call that she could not refuse, to an appointment, for which she will not be returning. What can you say about a woman, whom absolutely “styled” herself, being a single Mom of five young children?

When our mom found herself a single parent, she did not give room for self-pity. Rather, she became more determined to be a provider. It was a role she took seriously. She had her own wings and she was going to use them!

She attended school in the daytime and worked nights at the airport. She needed a GED to expand her wings. After scoring her GED, she went on to obtain a Drafting License. All of this, while training up five highly spirited children. Her wings only grew stronger.

Mom was inventive, when it came to stretching her dollars. She gave home haircuts, employing masking tape to ensure an even cut. Her daughters and granddaughters learned a valuable life lesson, in that, if you pull your ponytail high and tight enough, you can save a bundle on the cost of a facelift.

Upon graduating, she was so excited to get that job with Houston Lighting and Power! She excelled in her trade, as management entrusted her with more and more diverse projects. Her wings continued to expand.

Mom had a thirst for learning. While her career sustained the family, as an aside, she schooled herself in Investing. She learned risk vs reward and was able to ensure that, in her retirement years, she would be privy to leisurely morning coffees and afternoon lunches with her grown children; heartwarming visits with her grands, the crowns of the aged (Prov. 17) and enlivened conversations with her husband and neighbors. Bird and wildlife watching became a favorite pastime, now that she finally had time. She made sure her wings would spread wide enough to cover her twilight years.

Mom was widely admired for her generosity and courage. But there is this one thing that all who knew and loved her, would agree on. She made a mean pot of Chicken and Dumplings. She served it at every holiday event. When the turkey or ham was supposed to be the star of the show, it was that pot on the stove that we clamored for. I’m telling you! There was flavor in those wings!

Mom’s indomitable spirit encouraged her family and friends to persist in the face of many struggles through the years. But we all knew, that when we needed somewhere to feel safe and the warmth of love, she’d always find a place to tuck another one, under the breadth of her majestic wings.

Proverbs 31:25 Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 26) She opened her mouth and with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 27) She looked well to the ways of her household, and eats not the bread of idleness.

Barbara Dee Lane, age 85, entered into rest on March 23, 2021 in Houston, Texas. She was born in Victoria, Texas to the late May Dee and Thomas Belcher.

She was also preceded in death by sons, Jerry Darr Montgomery and Calvin Ray Montgomery.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 20 years, Richard E. Gray, her children, Dorothy McCann, Thomas Montgomery and Debbie Johnson. Barbara Lane was raised as an only child, but she was thrilled and very much involved when her children began their own families. Mom's cup ran over and she was blessed with numerous grandchildren and great-grand children. In fact, there are so many that it would take half the memorial to list them all, believe me we tried. Each of you know how much you meant to her and your name is written on her heart for eternity.