Shelby Lanier

A gentle heart, faith in God and compassion for others characterized the life of Shelby Taylor Lanier. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Shelby received her heavenly reward on September 17, 2014, when she passed peacefully surrounded by family.
Shelby was born March 9, 1937, in Richlands, NC to the late William Oliver and Nina Mae Bryan Taylor. In addition to her parents, Shelby was preceded in death by her brother, William Norwood Taylor; and nephews, Joseph Mitchell Taylor and Jason Hill Prescott.
Shelby married the love of her life, Murray Lanier, on December 18, 1953, and together they had four children, Dee Lanier (Regina) and Stephanie Lanier Henry (Charles ""Chuck"") of Jacksonville, NC; Nina Lanier Duren (Michael) of Clearwater, FL; and William Jonathan Lanier (Melissa) of Greenville, NC. She is also survived by her grandchildren, William Christopher Lanier, Matthew David Duren, Ashlyn Elizabeth Henry, Lauren Lanier Henry, Alyssa Nan Duren, Annelise Taylor Henry, Morgan Taylor Lanier, Sarah Bethany Duren, Caleb Andrew Lanier, Madison Caroline Lanier and William Jackson Lanier; great-grandson, Dillon Christopher Lanier; and sisters, Margaret Taylor Drake of Fredericksburg, VA and Adell Taylor Prescott of Greenville, NC.
Shelby retired from Bailey & Associates after having worked for the company as a bookkeeper for 54 years. She loved her work; however, her greatest joy came from time spent with those she laughed with, lived for and loved. We thank God for the blessing of her life and the blessing of time spent with her.
A service honoring Shelby's life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, September 20, at Jones Funeral Home, Jacksonville, NC with the Reverend Ronnie Taylor officiating.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Whaley's Chapel Free Will Baptist Church, 2400 Kinston Hwy, Richlands, NC 28574.