Dr. Lauren Lanier

Dr. Lauren Mack Lanier, affectionately known as "Doc" by his friends, passed away peacefully at his home in MComb, MS on Nov. 6, 2025, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was 90 years old.

Born on July 23, 1935, in Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Lanier was the son of Laney and Margaret Askew Lanier. He graduated from Mississippi College in 1956 where he also earned his master's degree and later received his Doctorate in Education from Northeast Louisiana University.

Dr. Lanier proudly served his country in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Munich, Germany. His lifelong passion for education led him to teach math and sciences in schools across Mississippi and Louisiana. In 1972, he and his family moved to Magnolia, MS where he eventually retired as superintendent of South Pike School District after 20 years of dedicated service.

A man of deep faith, Dr. Lanier was a devoted member of several churches throughout his life. His faith was central to who he was. At Gillsburg Baptist Church, he was a deacon, he joyfully sang in a gospel quartet, (Master's Men), and the church choir, helped with building projects, taught Bible studies, and cherished the fellowship of his Christian community.

Dr. Lanier's many hobbies reflected his love for life and family. He enjoyed RV camping, fishing with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, woodworking, repairing just about anything he could get his hands on, and collecting knives.

He is preceded in death by his parents and stepmother, Laney Mack Lanier and Gertrude White Lanier. His first wife, Mary Lois Hayman Lanier, his oldest son, Lauren Mark Lanier, his sister, Rebecca Lanier Kohr, his sister-in-law, Ruby Hayman, and his second wife, Dr. Phyllis Hayes Lanier.

He is survived by his wife, Opal Honea Lanier, brothers-in-law, Gary Kohr and Charles Lewis Hayman, Jr, and his beloved children and their families: Melinda McBee Lanier, grandchildren, Ricky Lanier (Kristy), and Becky Lanier (James) Shaw, great-grandchildren, Lani, Lucas, Grant, Carter, and Bo. : Charles "Chuck" (Sandy) Lanier, grandchildren, Jennifer Lanier (Kevin) Darnley, Brittany Lanier (David) Carrell, Bryan (Melissa) MacArthur, Kathryn (Ryan) Hall, great grandchildren, Emily, Gavin, Killian, Isabella, Abbey, Alex, Tyler, Samantha, Conner, Dylan, Pruett, Wade, and Van. ; Sydney Lanier (Jerry) Weber, granddaughters, Allie Weber (Andrew) Rains, and Ashley Weber (Nate) LeBar, great granddaughters, Elise and Gabi. ; Laney Lanier (Chris) Hoelzel, granddaughter, Mandy Thompson. ; Step-children, Gary Honea (Janet), June Gilbert, Stuart Hemphill (Rhonda) and their children and grandchildren.

The family would also like to extend special thanks to all the Doctors, nurses and caregivers who provided such kind and compassionate care.

Services will be held at Gillsburg Baptist Church, 6216 MS Hwy 568, Osyka, MS. 39657 Monday, November 10. 2025 with viewing from 9am to 11am. and Funeral Services at 11am. There will be a meal provided by the church at 12pm to 130 pm with graveside service proceeding at Mt Vernon Methodist Church, 2052 Poole Lane, Gloster, Ms. 39638

Pallbearers are Ryan Hall, Mickey Harrell, Tommy Smith, Ronnie Travis, Rodney Dykes, and Walter Carpenter. Honorary Pallbearers are Charles Hayman and members of Lauren's Sunday school class.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gillsburg Baptist Church, designated to the Gillsburg Baptist Church Youth Building Fund.