JACKSONVILLE  -  Mary Ann Lanier, 92, of Jacksonville, passed away Tuesday, February 20, 2024 peacefully at home.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, February 26, 2024 at Jones Funeral Home, Jacksonville Chapel.  Burial will follow at the Rochelle Family Cemetery.

Mrs. Lanier was born in Akron, Ohio on September 21, 1931, The family moved to Jacksonville when she was a young girl. She began working on a neighbor's farm where she gathered eggs and did house cleaning.  After graduating from Richlands High School, she began working for a photo shop in downtown Jacksonville, where she took photos of military service members. Later she worked for The Marine Corps Exchange for 20 years, receiving the employee of the year award in 1973. Her final employment was with Brithaven Nursing Home when she decided to retire.

As Mary Ann grew closer to God she became a member of The Jacksonville Pentecostal Holiness Church, later known as Good News Ministers, where she taught Sunday school for many years.  When she could no longer drive, she attended Faith Chapel Baptist Church with her daughter and son in law, where she later became a member.

Mary Ann enjoyed keeping house, cooking for her family and reading her bible.  She loved shopping and enjoyed her Friday trips to the beauty shop with her best friend Bonnie Leary. During her life she was a caretaker to many family members in need.  She faced many obstacles in her life but through her faith in Jesus Christ, she was able to overcome.

Mary Ann, was preceded in death by her mother and father, Ida and Marvin Dail, fer husband of 66 years, Millard Lanier; and her siblings, Fred, Roy, Buddy and Jimmy Dail, Eva Marshburn and Betty Blanton.

She is survived by her daughter, Tammy Miller and son-in-law Travis Miller, whom she loved like a son, as well as step-grandchildren, Travis L. Miller and Anna Knowles; her brother, Jerry Dail; and many loving nieces, nephews and their children.

Special thanks to her caregivers, Peggy, Christine, Betsy, Sue, Cindi, and Gail.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC  28401, for their support during this time.