JoAnn Lane

JoAnn DeBate Lane, 90, passed away on December 1, 2021 following a long illness. JoAnn was born in Springfield, MO. on November 6, 1931 but was raised in Bunkie, Louisiana.

JoAnn was a dedicated daughter, wife and mother, teacher, artist and community volunteer. She completed high school at age 16, graduated from Northwestern State College at 19 and received her high school teaching certificate before she was 20. She taught Physical Education and English in Lake Charles, LA.  and then won a fellowship for graduate study at LSU. She then was selected to be the Physical Education and Health instructor at Centenary College in Shreveport.

In 1955 she married her husband of 66 years, Bob Lane. She began what JoAnn called a series of adventures as the wife of a career Army Officer. In every assignment, JoAnn was commended for her volunteer support of the Army and civilian community. Her son Robert Jr was born at Ft. Belvoir, Va.in 1956 and her son Douglas was born at Nuremberg. Germany in 1959. JoAnn volunteered in Military Chapels or Methodist churches where she lived. Her church focus was on religious education and youth activities. At FT. Belvoir she was commended for her work in the Drug and Alcohol Rehab program and in Korea she was commended by the Korean government for her work with orphans. At each posting she participated in or organized a women’s art group. In addition to art she was very knowledgeable of military history, art history and national politics

Upon retirement JoAnn continued her church activities. Much of her time was in the enjoyable role of Grandmother and the difficult task of supporting her ailing Mother and Stepfather. In 1989 she began experiencing a series of Illnesses which dominated the last part of her life. Throughout this difficult period she maintained her pleasant manner and quick smile.

JoAnn was very appreciative of her dedicated Doctors who helped her with many medical issues. They were Dr. Presley Jackson, Dr. Joe Bradley, Dr. Jennifer Co, Dr. Mikhail Ivanovsky, Dr. Phillip Judd, and Dr. David Dean.  We are also very thankful for the loving care she received from Ms. Carlus Walker of CareLink, her longtime caregiver.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her father Charles O. DeBate, her mother Bernice Harbaugh Sandefur, her long time stepfather, AlvinT. Sandefur and her sister Mary Frances DeBate Williams. She is survived by her Husband Robert Lane, sons Robert L Lane, Jr. (Roxanne) and Douglas R. Lane (Vicki), four Grandchildren and two Great-Grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 pm on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Little Rock. Internment will be at the Trinity United Methodist Church Columbarium immediately following the service.