Barbara Lee (Williams) Lane, age 87, of Newport, passed from this life on January 9, 2026.
She was born on October 17, 1938, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Plez Lee Williams and Ruth (Cole) Williams. From an early age, Barbara learned the value of hard work, devotion, and caring for others—qualities that would guide her throughout her life.
Barbara devoted her professional life to her work as an accountant, where she was known for her diligence, accuracy, and dependability. She took pride in her work and approached every responsibility with integrity and care.
Outside of her career, Barbara found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved reading and coloring, activities that brought her peace and creativity. She had a special talent for nurturing plants and took great satisfaction in watching them thrive under her care. Barbara also enjoyed camping, appreciating the beauty of nature and the time spent with loved ones outdoors.
Above all else, Barbara cherished her family. Caring for those she loved was the center of her life, and she gave selflessly of her time, energy, and heart. Her kindness, patience, and steady presence provided comfort and support to many, and her love will continue to be felt long after her passing.
Barbara will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Eugene Walls; her parents; her son, David Walls; her daughter, Rita K. Bennett; her brothers, Donald and Ronald Williams; her grandmother, Mamaw Cole; her stepmother, Earlene Williams and her stepdaughter, Janet Elaine Walls.
She is survived by her son, Gerry Lee Jordan of Newport; her daughters, Natalie Williams of Newport, Vanessa Lynn Hall of Newport, Sandra Marie Smith of North Little Rock; her son-in-law, Carl Reese of Seagoville, Texas; Her daughter-in-law, Rhonda Walls of Newport; her sister, Shirley of Judsonia; her grandchildren, Jeremy Lee Jordan, Carl Reesce, James Reesce, Deana K. Bennett, Christopher Lee Hinkle, Michael Shane Hinkle, Stacy Renee Lingo, Jordan Plez Watson (Savannah). James Hall, Michael Dirk Thalman (Vanessa), Tyler Walls (Ashley) and Paige Creighton (Will).
Service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2025, at Dillinger Funeral Home Chapel.
