Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Jolaine Wood Lanier
1942 - 2025
FUNERAL HOME
Jolaine Lanier Obituary
Jolaine Wood Lanier
November 2, 1942 - November 21, 2025
Jolaine Wood Lanier, 83, passed away with her family by her side on November 21, 2025, in Chapel Hill, NC.
Jolaine was born November 2, 1942, in Atlanta, GA, to Ernest Sylvester Wood and Ellen Azilee Cofield Wood. Jolaine spent her childhood in Atlanta, babysitting her brother Ernie, Jr., forming close relationships with her cousins, and spending time with her beloved grandparents in Grayson, GA. After graduating from Sandy Springs High School in 1960, Jolaine attended the University of Georgia, where she cheered for the Dawgs as a member of the UGA cheerleading squad and formed life-long friendships with her Kappa Alpha Theta sorority sisters.
In the spring of her freshman year, Jolaine survived a serious car accident that led to the amputation of her left leg. Throughout her life, her extraordinary courage and positive spirit in approaching this challenge was a testament to her strength and an inspiration to all who knew her. After the accident she continued to pursue a vibrant life at UGA, excelling in academics, becoming president of the Women's Student Government Association, and continuing to cheer. Jolaine completed her studies at UGA in 1964, graduating magna cum laude and earning a BA in psychology and political science.
Following graduation, Jolaine attended the Ohio State University where she earned an MA in political science (1968) and served as a dorm director, supporting hundreds of students. While in Columbus, she married her first husband and welcomed her eldest daughter. She returned to Atlanta as a single mother and began work as a federal probation officer. There she met Edmond Bevan Lanier, and what started as a friendship over tennis lessons quickly turned into romance. Jolaine and Ed were married on November 15, 1973.
Jolaine and Ed moved to Greensboro, NC, in 1974, welcoming a second daughter the following year. After a short time teaching criminal justice at Guilford Technical Community College, in 1981 Jolaine began a 30-year career in real estate. In 1993, Jolaine joined partners to establish Cornerstone Properties, which quickly became a top agency in the city. In 2002, the firm was acquired by Allen Tate Real Estate, where Jolaine continued as the broker-in-charge of the Greensboro branch until her retirement in 2011.
As a realtor, Jolaine took great pride in mentoring and supporting her colleagues. Her work was more than a career-it was a way of connecting with and supporting her community. Jolaine was a member of the Greensboro Regional Realtors Association, serving as president in 2000 and receiving multiple awards including Realtor of the Year, the President's Award, and the Hall of Fame Award. She served on the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Association of Realtors and was a member of the Women's Professional Forum in Greensboro, where she developed treasured friendships. The importance of giving back to her community was reflected in her years of service to the United Way, the United Arts Council, Greensboro College, and the Red Cross, among others.
Jolaine loved her family and friends, gardening, music and dancing, books and bridge club. In her retirement she enjoyed being "Jojo" to her granddaughter, founding a book club, and traveling with Ed, her family, and friends. After Ed's passing in 2018, Jolaine moved to Chapel Hill to be closer to family as she began to suffer from Alzheimer's.
Jolaine is survived by her daughters, Karissa Lanier Grasty (Tom) of Chapel Hill, NC, and Dana Lauren Lanier Schaffer (Sam) of Boston, MA; granddaughter, Ernestine "Ernie" Clark Schaffer; and cousin, Jeannene Rutledge Poarch, of Greensboro, NC.
Jolaine will be remembered for her strength, unmatched generosity, vivacious spirit, and a fierce loyalty to her friends and family. Her warmth, quick smile, and thoughtful guidance endeared her to anyone who met her. In lieu of flowers please make donations in honor of Jolaine W. Lanier to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America or the Foundation Fighting Blindness .
A celebration of Jolaine's life will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, in Greensboro, NC. Details to be announced.
Forbis & Dick Funeral Service
1118 North Elm Street, Greensboro, NC 27401
November 2, 1942 - November 21, 2025
Jolaine Wood Lanier, 83, passed away with her family by her side on November 21, 2025, in Chapel Hill, NC.
Jolaine was born November 2, 1942, in Atlanta, GA, to Ernest Sylvester Wood and Ellen Azilee Cofield Wood. Jolaine spent her childhood in Atlanta, babysitting her brother Ernie, Jr., forming close relationships with her cousins, and spending time with her beloved grandparents in Grayson, GA. After graduating from Sandy Springs High School in 1960, Jolaine attended the University of Georgia, where she cheered for the Dawgs as a member of the UGA cheerleading squad and formed life-long friendships with her Kappa Alpha Theta sorority sisters.
In the spring of her freshman year, Jolaine survived a serious car accident that led to the amputation of her left leg. Throughout her life, her extraordinary courage and positive spirit in approaching this challenge was a testament to her strength and an inspiration to all who knew her. After the accident she continued to pursue a vibrant life at UGA, excelling in academics, becoming president of the Women's Student Government Association, and continuing to cheer. Jolaine completed her studies at UGA in 1964, graduating magna cum laude and earning a BA in psychology and political science.
Following graduation, Jolaine attended the Ohio State University where she earned an MA in political science (1968) and served as a dorm director, supporting hundreds of students. While in Columbus, she married her first husband and welcomed her eldest daughter. She returned to Atlanta as a single mother and began work as a federal probation officer. There she met Edmond Bevan Lanier, and what started as a friendship over tennis lessons quickly turned into romance. Jolaine and Ed were married on November 15, 1973.
Jolaine and Ed moved to Greensboro, NC, in 1974, welcoming a second daughter the following year. After a short time teaching criminal justice at Guilford Technical Community College, in 1981 Jolaine began a 30-year career in real estate. In 1993, Jolaine joined partners to establish Cornerstone Properties, which quickly became a top agency in the city. In 2002, the firm was acquired by Allen Tate Real Estate, where Jolaine continued as the broker-in-charge of the Greensboro branch until her retirement in 2011.
As a realtor, Jolaine took great pride in mentoring and supporting her colleagues. Her work was more than a career-it was a way of connecting with and supporting her community. Jolaine was a member of the Greensboro Regional Realtors Association, serving as president in 2000 and receiving multiple awards including Realtor of the Year, the President's Award, and the Hall of Fame Award. She served on the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Association of Realtors and was a member of the Women's Professional Forum in Greensboro, where she developed treasured friendships. The importance of giving back to her community was reflected in her years of service to the United Way, the United Arts Council, Greensboro College, and the Red Cross, among others.
Jolaine loved her family and friends, gardening, music and dancing, books and bridge club. In her retirement she enjoyed being "Jojo" to her granddaughter, founding a book club, and traveling with Ed, her family, and friends. After Ed's passing in 2018, Jolaine moved to Chapel Hill to be closer to family as she began to suffer from Alzheimer's.
Jolaine is survived by her daughters, Karissa Lanier Grasty (Tom) of Chapel Hill, NC, and Dana Lauren Lanier Schaffer (Sam) of Boston, MA; granddaughter, Ernestine "Ernie" Clark Schaffer; and cousin, Jeannene Rutledge Poarch, of Greensboro, NC.
Jolaine will be remembered for her strength, unmatched generosity, vivacious spirit, and a fierce loyalty to her friends and family. Her warmth, quick smile, and thoughtful guidance endeared her to anyone who met her. In lieu of flowers please make donations in honor of Jolaine W. Lanier to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America or the Foundation Fighting Blindness .
A celebration of Jolaine's life will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, in Greensboro, NC. Details to be announced.
Forbis & Dick Funeral Service
1118 North Elm Street, Greensboro, NC 27401
Published by Greensboro News & Record on Nov. 30, 2025.
Memories and Condolences
for Jolaine Lanier
Sponsored by Forbis & Dick Funeral Service - North Elm Chapel.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in Jolaine Lanier's name
Memorial Events
for Jolaine Lanier
Funeral services provided by:
Forbis & Dick Funeral Service - North Elm Chapel1118 North Elm Street, Greensboro, NC 27401
How to support Jolaine's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Jolaine Lanier's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
