Bane, Abigail Jean

Abigail Jean Bane, adorable daughter of Kendall & Jessica Bane of White Gate, VA, grew her wings and flew away on Tuesday, November 21, 2023. Abby was a special child from the day she was born on July 30, 2020 in Madison, Alabama.

Several days after her birth, Abby was transferred from Madison Hospital to the Huntsville Women’s and Children’s Hospital. There, she was diagnosed with HIE following an intrauterine stroke that left her brain severely damaged. She had her first surgery at 2 weeks old. The next year was incredibly tumultuous with frequent hospital stays, trips out of state to see specialists, and dealing with the rest of life’s stresses. It wouldn’t be until after she had her first birthday that she finally had spent more time at home than in the hospital.

The family was able to relocate after her first birthday and bring her to the wonderful White Gate community of Giles County to spend the rest of her days on the beautiful family farm. While in Giles, she was in the medical care of the highly experienced Complex Care Team at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington D.C.

In her time here, she experienced all the joys of life her family could share with her. Although for Abigail, things always happened at her own pace, she thrived in the natural setting. She liked being outside, feeling the wind in her hair, the sun on her face, with her mama in the garden, listening to the birds and crickets sing across the valley. She loved being in any type of water: the ocean, lakes, rivers, pools, hot tubs, bath tubs, sinks, and more. She liked to travel and was always down to go somewhere fun: countless trips to DC, several trips to Folly Beach, a cruise to the Bahamas, a birthday vacation to Disney World, a wedding vacation to Connecticut, several zoos and aquariums (favorite exhibit was the penguins) and numerous vacations in Alabama to see her extended family. Everywhere she went, she brought a presence that filled any room with light and grace. Importantly, she shared that light with her big brother, William James Bane(4) who loved her with incredible sweetness, cherished her presence, and worked to include her with everything he could. Abby was born in Huntsville, AL but the beautiful Walker’s Creek Valley was her home.

Preceding Abigail in death were her great grandparents Bill & Jean Bane, Joe & Pat Mackerney, James Sylvester (Papa), Roberta Stender (Granbobbi), and Doris Elaine Reynolds (Granny). She is survived by her heart-broken parents and her big brother William James Bane. Treasuring their memories of this little angel are grandparents: Tammy Stender, Doak and Suzy Bane and great-grandparents: Bill and Cathy Stender, and Judy Sylvester. Abigail was well-loved by her beloved aunts and uncles: Courtney Bane, Devon Bane, Jacqueline Stender, Jennifer Stender, Jacob Stender, and Jaxon Stender. To know Abby was to touch and see love.

The family is very grateful for the many doctors and nurses of Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital in Tennessee, and Children’s National Medical Center in Washington D.C., as well as the specialists, and professional care givers who tended to Abby’s needs on a daily basis. Their guidance and experience helped to keep this blessing with us all for as long as possible.

The family will receive friends and loved ones on Thursday, November 30, 2023 from 1:00 P.M. until 3:00 P.M. at A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home Chapel, White Gate. A celebration of love for Abigail will begin at 3:00 P.M. It will be concluded by her final rest at Walker’s Creek Cemetery, Inc. where Mac Miller will lead the burial service.

The family asks that everyone wear Abby’s favorite color, pink, to her celebration of love. They also plan to open an opportunity for those who love Abby to tell their favorite memories and share their stories of love for Abby.

The Bane family is in the care of A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home, White Gate, avestandsons.com, 540-921-2985.