MARY LANIER

Mary Alice Darby Lanier

Was born November 20, 1912 in Florence, AL. She died at home in Newark, DE, on Saturday, December 6, 2008.

Mrs. Lanier was a gifted and well-trained pianist. She earned her BS degree from Florence State University, taught public school in Florence, and moved to Newark in 1940 when her husband joined the Economics faculty at the University of Delaware. Trained as a librarian, Mrs. Lanier loved books and was a Friend of the Newark Free Library, a long-standing participant in a University of Delaware Book Group, and an enthusiastic supporter of Reading Assist Institute of Delaware. A dedicated member of Newark's First Presbyterian Church since 1940, Mrs. Lanier was lovingly supported by the church, and served in it, including as accompanist for the youth choir, a Sunday school teacher, and as a Stephen Minister. She attended services there faithfully until ten weeks before her death.

She will be forever missed by her 2 daughters, Virginia L. Biasotto, of Wilmington, DE and Andrea L. Craig, New York, NY, her sons-in-law, Lawrence and Bruce; her 5 grandchildren, Larry and Andrew Biasotto, Kara Clarke, Campbell and David Craig, her brother, Kenneth; 4 sisters-in-law, many nieces and nephews, including Margaret Darby also of Newark, DE; 15 great-grandchildren, and her many friends. In 1996, Mrs. Lanier was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 61 years, Charles N. Lanier.

A memorial service will be held at that church, 292 West Main Street, Newark, on Saturday, December 13, at 1 pm. All are welcome.

Mrs. Lanier respectfully requested that flowers be omitted; in lieu, if desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Charles N. Lanier Economics Scholarship at the University of Delaware, the First Presbyterian Church, Reading Assist Institute, or a charity of choice. To send condolences visit www.rtfoard.com.

R.T. FOARD & JONES

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

& CREMATORY

(302)731-4627