Lucretia Anne Barganier Lane—known as “Bonnie” to her childhood and Woodland friends—passed peacefully on March 27, 2026, at the family farm in Woodland, Alabama, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 83 years old.

Born June 8, 1942, in Mobile, Alabama, Lucretia was the oldest daughter of James Callen and Norine Reid Barganier of Georgiana, Alabama, and grew up in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

During her 61+ year marriage to William Fredrick Lane, they built a home centered on faith, family, and steady devotion. Her proudest achievement was her family: four children and a growing legacy of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Lucretia is survived by her children, Christopher William of Carrollton, Georgia, James Fredrick (Eliesh) of Glenview, Illinois, Michael Preston (Dawn) of Villa Rica, Georgia, and Jeffrey Callen (Andrea) of Delta, Alabama and her grandchildren: Justin, Megan, Eoin, Graeme, Niamh, Cadhla, Aodhan, Merideth, Preston, David, Hannah, Jacob, Callen, Brody, and Alex.

She is also survived by her sisters, Melonie Hopkins of Carrollton, Georgia and Marla Barganier Lipham (Martin) of Clemson, South Carolina. She was preceded in death by her brother, James Michael Barganier; her brother-in-law, James Hopkins; and her parents, James and Norine Barganier.

A nurturing and tenderhearted presence, Lucretia was known for her lightness of spirit, a willing hand, and deep generosity and compassion. She never met a stranger; she would as easily strike up a conversation with the people sitting at the next table in a restaurant in the airport in Frankfort, Germany or The Diner in Guilford, Connecticut. She loved animals and kept a fastidious home yet remained adventuresome and loyal—always ready for a new book, a conversation about politics or current affairs, a trip, or the next piece for her collections.

A devoted stay-at-home mother and homemaker, she poured her life into raising her children and supporting her extended family, becoming a mother figure to many. After raising her family, she returned to school—an example of determination and lifelong learning. A Christian, she drew strength from her faith and shared it through quiet service and care for others. She lived her life according to the Golden Rule.

Receiving of friends will occur Friday, April 3, from 5:00–8:00 p.m. (CT) at Benefield Funeral Home in Wedowee, Alabama. Funeral services will be on Saturday, April 4 at 11:00 a.m. with viewing 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at Zion Baptist Church in Woodland, Alabama, with Brother David Daniel officiating. Lucretia will be interred in the Zion Baptist Church cemetery in Woodland.