In Loving Memory of

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Life’s Journey

Michael Dwight Lane (Ricky), a husband, cherished father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend,
passed away peacefully in Houston, Texas on September 20, 2023. Michael was born on April 23, 1955 in Houston,
Texas to Dorothy Mae Lane-Gill, who preceded him in death. Michael was nurtured by his loving dad, Elmer L.
Jackson, who preceded him in death, and his mom, Dearest Jackson. Michael was a pillar of strength, helpfulness
and love not only for his family but friends and neighbors.

Michael was the of fifth of six siblings. He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age at Greater Mount
Olive Baptist Church in Houston, Texas under the late Reverend L.P. Pointer. Michael served as a youth usher and
later served as a choir member under Reverend Byrd Lacey Jr. From 2017 until his passing Michael was a dedicated
member of The Windsor Village Church Family in Houston, Texas.

Michael graduated from Kashmere High School as a member of the Class of 1973. He attended Houston Tillotson
University; later transferred to the University of Texas in Austin and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1978.
Michael is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

Beginning his professional career, Michael worked as an underwriter for Farmers Insurance Group. He then worked
as an educator for Austin ISD, at Dobie Middle. After completing his education, Michael returned to Houston and
began working for United Salt Corporation, where he was promoted and became a much relied upon member of
managerial staff. Michael had a desire to formally use his degree in Social Studies Composite. So, he decided to
become an educator, teaching in Fort Bend ISD and Houston ISD. Teaching allowed him the ability to give back to
the community he grew up in. He taught at the very school he’d attended in his youth, Kashmere High School until
his retirement from being an educator. He then pursued a career in law enforcement, working as a deputy with Harris
County Constable Precinct 6 for several years. A man of great stature and tremendous energy, he shared love and
discipline. Unable to remain idle, Michael then provided security for the U.S. Government while working for
Paragon Systems until his retirement in January of 2023. In addition to the many positions and duties served,
Michael made time to contribute to his neighborhood community, having served as the Home Owner’s Association
(H.O.A.) President for many years. As the H.O.A. president he provided support, joy and selfless assistance to his
neighbors.

In 1978, Michael was united in matrimony to Deborah Lane Watson and to this union one child was born. In 2001
he married Rhonda Gilmore, acquiring an additional daughter and two sons.

Michael, a man of many talents, loved to sing, played keyboard, wrote and recorded music. He was also an
accomplished author; having written ‘Tribulation Point’, published under the pen name Ricci Lane. His biggest
passion was playing dominoes but he was also a slick pool player and skilled at playing cards. He enjoyed playing
with family, friends and hosted many tournaments; many of which he himself won.

Left to cherish his memory, a devoted wife, Rhonda Lane, loving mother, Dearest Jackson of Houston, TX, two
daughters, Takeshia (T.K.) Lane of Katy, TX and Chantell Gilmore of Houston, TX, two sons, Richard Gilmore Jr.
of El Paso, TX and Ronald Gilmore (Charity) of Houston, TX, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren,
sisters Linda Johnson of Marshall, TX, Mary Boler (Joe) of Destrehan, LA, Tarsha Jackson of Houston, TX, two
brothers Robert Lane (Vivian) and Mitchell Lane (Brenda) of Shreveport, LA, two brother-in-laws, Joel White
(Evelyn) of Houston, TX and Reginald Ayers (Vivian) of Houston. TX, one aunt, Tracey Harris (James), one uncle
Willard Hall (both of Los Angeles, CA), the Helm Family, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Michael
will be dearly missed and never forgotten by his family, friends, and countless people he touched throughout his
extraordinary life.