Barbara Jean Burchfield was born on May 10, 1931. The family of James Calvin  and Bess Ann Burchfield made their home in Knoxville Tennessee, at the time of her birth. She received early education at South Knoxville Elementary and shared memories of childhood with three older siblings.

Barbara found her greatest joys in life came in her role as a wife and homemaker. She was blessed to become the mother of seven children, grandmother to an incredible twenty grandchildren and an amazing number of great grandchildren.

Barbara would be blessed to find love and companionship again at the age of 49. Her friendship with William Lanning became the choice of a lifetime commitment and in a sweet and tender ceremony, they married on July 20, 1980, in Laclede, Missouri. Barbara was active in her community as a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and enjoyed many different hobbies that included bingo, cards, and slots.

On January 1, 2024, Barbara passed away at Baptist Health in Little Rock at the age of 92. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Bessie (McCarter) Burchfield, sons, Michael Oliver and Jim Oliver, daughters, Mae Baggett and Karroll Rutherford, and sisters, Betty Warren and Mary Lou Babbs.

She is survived by her husband, William E. Lanning of Holly Grove, sons, Bobby Oliver (Dottie) of Pascagoula, Mississippi, Doug Fowler (Rene) of Poplar Grove, Arkansas, Tommy Fowler (Jaquoya) of Senatobia, Mississippi, Keith Fowler (Diane) of Bono, Arkansas and brother James Burchfield (Jackie) of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

On January 4th Prior to the visitation the family meet at the Brinkley Convention Center for a small luncheon. The visitation will follow  from 1:00 – 2:00 P.M. at Bob Neal and Sons Funeral Home Chapel in Brinkley with Services following at 2:00. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.