Martha Sue Lanning

Martha Sue Johnson Lanning, age 75, of Hendersonville went home to be with her Heavenly Father on Wednesday, December 7th, 2016. She was reunited with her family who preceded her in death including, her parents, Josiah Johnson, Jr. and Ruth Stepp Johnson; her husband, Charlie "Ted" Lanning, Jr. She was also preceded in death by her many beloved animals, especially "Sarge".
Martha, a Henderson County native, graduated from Dana High School in 1959. She not only received her first nursing degree from Watts School of Nursing, she also received her Bachelor's of Science Degree in Nursing from the Western Carolina University. She held her nursing certification not only in North Carolina but also in Florida.
Throughout her dedicated career helping others she was employed with J.H. Stepp and Son, Camp Lejuna, Margaret R. Pardee Memorial Hospital, Henderson County Health Department, Thom's Rehabilitation Center. Later in her career she taught nursing at AB Technical College and at Blue Ridge Community College. Her genuine interest in sharing her love of the nursing profession endeared her to all of her former students.
She is survived by her two children, John Henry Lanning and his wife, Laura and Benjamin Mitchell Lanning and his wife, Terri all of Hendersonville; six grandchildren, Sherrie Strickland, Valerie Strickland, David Strickland; Sherri Cummings and her husband, Mike, Lindsey Colecio and her husband, Joey and Brittany Reid and Daniel Ellis all of Hendersonville; eight great-grandchildren, Anthony, Daniel, Elizabeth, Aubrie, Mason, Tyler, Sadie and Libby, as well as one great-great grandchild Emma, all of Hendersonville; One brother, Josiah Johnson, III and his wife, Claire; one sister-in-law, Cathey Bell Johnson and her husband, John all of Hendersonville. She is also survived by numerous relatives and by her dear friend, Marty Webb.
The funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 11th, 2016 in Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel officiated by the Reverend Dan Blackwell. Burial will follow in the Campground Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Home, at other times the family will be at the family home.
Serving as Pall Bearers will be Lee Dalton, Rick Sheldrick, Scot "Paco" Hall, Robert Sumner, Kirby Johnson, Hal Harvey and Mark Leatherwood.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Martha's memory may be directed to the Blue Ridge Humane Society, 1214 Greenville Highway, Hendersonville, NC 28792; Toys for Tots, C/O SSgt. James F. Holbert, Jr. 1035 Kyles Creek Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792; or to the American Heart Association, 156 Milestone Way, Suite A, Greenville, SC 29615.
An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thossshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.