Edna Lanier

On Sunday, April 17, 2016, the community lost Edna Lanier, a true lady that was a friend to all. Her funeral will be at 4:00 p.m. Thursday, April 21, 2016, at First United Methodist Church by Rev. Jamie Armstrong and Rev. Dr. Lee Dukes. Visitation will follow service in the church fellowship hall. Private entombment will be on Friday, April 22, at Forest Hill Memorial Park Mausoleum. Edna, a mentor and role model to many, along with her husband, Ardell, founded Lanier Hardware in 1940, which has been an anchor of uptown Lexington for 75 years. They also founded Standell Properties in 1962. With a giving spirit, together they helped with the promotion and growth of Cancer Services of D.C., West Davison Library, UMAR House, Davidson Prison Ministry, and the Lexington Civitan Club. Generously donating also to Lexington Memorial Hospital DCCC, and J. Smith Young YMCA. Edna was awarded 2006 Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce Athena award and Lexington Womens Club 2007 Woman of Achievement of DC award . She was devoted to her family, friends, employees, church, and community. She was a devoted member of First United Methodist Church and Spruill Wesley Sunday School class, where she was a regular member until the end. Edna was a devoted UNC TarHeel and Rams Club member for over 65 years never missing a game. She actually loved all sports and kept up with games and stats of her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids as well as UNC, Atlanta Braves, and Panthers. Mrs. Lanier was born February 10, 1917 to William Lester Davis and Laura Lenora Barnes of the Churchland community. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and 11 brothers and sisters. She graduated from Churchland School in 1934 as Salutatorian. She got her business degree from Draughn’s Business School in Winston-Salem. Surviving are one son, Gail Stanley Lanier and wife, Judy, one daughter, Ann Lanier Easter and husband, Olen, Jr., her grandchildren, Natalie Lanier Taylor and husband, Greg; Stanley Lanier and wife, Molly; Stewart Lanier and wife, Sheri;Arianna Clark Lester and husband Brady; and Newell Clark. Great-grandchildren are Abigail Taylor Mervar and husband Clay, Grayson Taylor, Ali and Tate Lanier, Keilea, Holden, Mya, and Mason Lanier, and Annika, Ashton, Brady Jr., and Brianna Lester, and Eleanor Clark and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Edna and Ardell were inseparable in life. If you saw one, you saw the other. Their love for each other overflowed to their benevolent sharing with family, friends, and community. Edna supported all Ardell’s adventures and projects, however, she was an extremely strong woman in her own right. They were co-equals and complimented each other in all endeavors. Edna was “mentoring” young women long before the term was even used. She encouraged, praised, shared knowledge, lifted spirits, and loved all who associated with her. She led by example and was a role model to all. Edna possessed a wonderful sense of humor and adventure that stayed with her throughout her life. An accomplished bridge player, she was always being asked about tips on the game. Her mathematical mind led her into the field of bookkeeping and accounting, keeping the books and daily running of Lanier Hardware for over 70 years and Standell Properties for 60 years. The family asks that present and past Lanier Hardware employees meet in the Fellowship Hall prior to the service for special seating at the funeral. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 310 S. Main St., Lexington, NC 27292 or Davidson Prison Ministry, PO Box 2131, Lexington, NC 27292; or charity of donor’s choice.