Leona Lane

Every so often we may have the good fortune to encounter someone who in very subtle ways shows us how life is to be lived. They are not self promoting or ego driven, but are God purposed. They have a keen sense of who they are and why they are here. But more often than not, we are unaware of their arresting presence until they are gone. Of course, I will not deny my bias, but prayerful reflection has revealed to me that I shared 44 years with one of those rare individuals – a precious gem. Her name was Leona.

Leona was a wonderful wife, a gentle, loving mother, a nurturing grandmother, a thoughtful sister, a supportive aunt, a loyal friend, a committed educator and counselor, and most importantly, a faithful servant of God.

She was born in Lafayette Louisiana on August 5, 1953 to Alton and Lucy Duhon of Rayne, Louisiana. She spent her childhood in Port Arthur, Texas where she attended Sacred Heart Catholic School during her elementary and junior high years. In 1971 she graduated from Bishop Byrne High School. In the fall of that year she enrolled at Lamar University under the curriculum of elementary education.

While matriculating at Lamar she met the love of her life, Johnny Lane. They were marred on July 5, 1975 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Port Arthur, Texas. They moved to Houston in January 1977 where she began a long affiliation with the Aldine Independent School district. To the marriage union was born April Renee Lane April 27, 1980, followed by John Christopher Lane on August 27, 1986.

In 1996 Leona received a master’s degree in counseling from Prairie View A&M University. She began her counseling career at Hambrick Middle Schools in Aldine ISD. Leona dedicated her life to the field of education for over 35 years.

While searching for the nearest Catholic Church, Leona serendipitously discovered St. Monica in 1979. Over the years she has served in many capacities: Lector, RCIA Team, Extra Ordinary Minister of Holy Communion, Co-Chair of Disciples in Mission, CCE Instructor, liturgical committee chairperson, and a host of other posts and activities including attending classes for credits with Deacon Lane at St. Mary Seminary during four years of diaconal studies. Her organizational affiliations include KPC Ladies Auxiliary Court 151, St Vincent DePaul and the Altar Society.

Leona was lovingly referred to as Nana by her 2 favorite grandchildren; Berkley and James. In retirement, Nana cared for Berkley and the two loved their weekly visits to the local library and neighborhood walks. She looked forward to her daily “FaceTime” chats with James

She and Deacon Lane discovered a love for cruising. Their most memorable trips included the Mediterranean, Hawaii, Alaska, and several other noted ports of call.

Leona is preceded in death by her mother Lucy Duhon, father Alton Duhon Sr. and brother Alton Duhon Jr.

Leona leaves behind to cherish her memory, her husband of 44 years, Johnny; daughter, April Lane; son, John Lane (Faith); brother, Leonce Duhon (Rhonda); and grandchildren, Berkley (7) and James (3); Aunt/Godmother, Dorothy Sinegar; Uncle, James Spencer (Helen) and a host of other close family members and friends