Celebrating the life of
Arlene Akins Lanier
August 26, 1921 - June 30, 2011
ARLENE AKINS LANIER
August 26, 1921 - June 30, 2011
Arlene Akins Lanier, born August 26, 1921 was a totally unselfish grand southern Lady that would choose only to be recognized as a dear and loving Mother and Grandmother, devoted to her family. She was a Matriarch indeed as she quietly went her way, spreading love, joy and gratitude to her children and their mates, her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. She was "Mama", "Grandma", "Miz Lanier" and "Mrs. Arlene", and yet she was so much more. She will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. What she has given each of us will be there forever. A great lady of faith, she passed on to all who knew her that special love that only God could give.
Born in rural Bulloch County, she moved to Savannah during WW II to find work, and remained in Chatham County her entire life. She served in the administrative office of Savannah Christian School from its beginnings until her retirement in the mid-1980's. From that time to the present, she became an active and important part of the staff of Excursions Unlimited. She was a Charter Member of John Knox Presbyterian Church, a long-time and faithful member of First Presbyterian Church, and never wanted to miss her monthly Ladies Circle meeting. She also was actively involved in Christian Business Women Association.
Arlene's greatest joy in life was her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her four children: Jane Up De Graff Mo, Jim Lanier Barbara, Rose Bryan Paul and Keith Lanier Beth; nine grandchildren - Stacey Van Voorhis Tim, Debbie Ertel Will, Stephen Up De Graff, Mandi Lanier, Jonathon and Shannon Bryan, Josh Greene, Kyle and Emily Lanier; eleven great-grandchildren - Charlie, Olivia, Thomas, Will and Daniel Van Voorhis; Hannah, Leah and Elizabeth Ertel; Piper, Forest and Isabel Lanier.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Marie Jones Akins, her brother, Lee Roy Akins and her daughter, Patricia Lanier. She waits in heaven for her sisters: Sequel Fraser, Martha Lee and Betsy Adams Donald, her dear sister-in-law, Joan Akins, and the many nieces, nephews and special cousins that have meant so much to her. Also, she leaves behind J.R. Lanier, her former husband and father of her four children.
Pallbearers for the funeral are Wayne Lee, Walter Lee, Jeff Lee, Kenny Fraser, Roy Akins, and Don Adams.
Visitation: Friday, July 1, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Fox & Weeks Hodgson Chapel.
Memorial Service: Saturday, July 2, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church.
Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Savannah.
Dear Jane and Jim and families, There are many of us from long years ago who remember your mom with such fondness and affection. When all the neighborhood kids were out in her backyard tussling and playing, I don’t ever remember “Miz Lanier” scolding us or saying a cross word to us, in spite of the fact that we definitely deserved it. You and your families are in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time. With deepest sympathy, Sylvia Booker and Bob Fulton
- Sylvia Booker Fulton, Marietta, GA
May you find peace in your heart in knowing that so many of us think of you and your overwhelming loss. You are in our prayers! Travel Group from Watkinsville and surrounding areas.
- Bobbie Shumake, Winterville, GA
We are sorry to hear of the lose of your mother. The Hardeeeville Gang
- Arlene Smith, Hardeeville, SC
I was saddened to read of 'Miz' Lanier's passing. She was a wonderful woman. She was one of few that you knew she was a child of God by the way she lived. I'm not sure if you remember me, Mr. Jim Lanier, you taught me History my Jr/Sr years and, I was pratically raised on campus at SCS by my parents Homer and Vera Highsmith. As a teacher, my father loved Miz. Lanier because she was always there to lend him a hand in her quite, unassuming, humble manner. I loved her because she was who she was. I know you and your family will miss her. God bless you and fill your heart with happiness knowing she has won her reward. With my deepest sympathy....
- Toni Highsmith Crawford, Bluffton, SC
Keith, Beth and family- We are so sorry to hear of the loss of you mother. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
- Julie and Daniel Hagan, Guyton, GA
Just wanted to express our sympathy to you and your family.
- Don James, Savannah, GA
Dear Jane, Jim, Barbara, Rose and Keith: We were saddened to hear of Arlene's passing. She was a very special person in my life. She was a mentor to me at Savannah Christian and in all areas of my life she was a Godly example. Please know that my life was better for having known her. I will miss her dearly. Love in Christ, Mickey & Bob
- Mickey & Bob Davis, Rincon, GA
Mrs. Lanier was a beautiful soul and will be missed by so many. We are so thankful for the time she was here and God's beacon of love and grace that she shared with us all. We continue to keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
- Jeannie Hodges, Forest Park, GA
Keith, Beth and family - We were so sorry to hear the news about your mother. Treasure all the beautiful memories you have. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Much love and sympathy.
- Angela and Frank Lamson, Richmond Hill, GA
Dear Jane and Jim and families, There are many of us from long years ago who remember your mom with such fondness and affection. When all the neighborhood kids were out in her backyard tussling and playing, I don’t ever remember “Miz Lanier” scolding us or saying a cross word to us, in spite of the fact that we definitely deserved it. You and your families are in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time. With deepest sympathy, Sylvia Booker and Bob Fulton
- Sylvia Booker Fulton, Marietta, GA
May you find peace in your heart in knowing that so many of us think of you and your overwhelming loss. You are in our prayers! Travel Group from Watkinsville and surrounding areas.
- Bobbie Shumake, Winterville, GA
We are sorry to hear of the lose of your mother. The Hardeeeville Gang
- Arlene Smith, Hardeeville, SC
I was saddened to read of 'Miz' Lanier's passing. She was a wonderful woman. She was one of few that you knew she was a child of God by the way she lived. I'm not sure if you remember me, Mr. Jim Lanier, you taught me History my Jr/Sr years and, I was pratically raised on campus at SCS by my parents Homer and Vera Highsmith. As a teacher, my father loved Miz. Lanier because she was always there to lend him a hand in her quite, unassuming, humble manner. I loved her because she was who she was. I know you and your family will miss her. God bless you and fill your heart with happiness knowing she has won her reward. With my deepest sympathy....
- Toni Highsmith Crawford, Bluffton, SC
Keith, Beth and family- We are so sorry to hear of the loss of you mother. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
- Julie and Daniel Hagan, Guyton, GA
Just wanted to express our sympathy to you and your family.
- Don James, Savannah, GA
Dear Jane, Jim, Barbara, Rose and Keith: We were saddened to hear of Arlene's passing. She was a very special person in my life. She was a mentor to me at Savannah Christian and in all areas of my life she was a Godly example. Please know that my life was better for having known her. I will miss her dearly. Love in Christ, Mickey & Bob
- Mickey & Bob Davis, Rincon, GA
Mrs. Lanier was a beautiful soul and will be missed by so many. We are so thankful for the time she was here and God's beacon of love and grace that she shared with us all. We continue to keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
- Jeannie Hodges, Forest Park, GA
Keith, Beth and family - We were so sorry to hear the news about your mother. Treasure all the beautiful memories you have. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Much love and sympathy.
- Angela and Frank Lamson, Richmond Hill, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
