Audrey Jean Lanier

LAKELAND " Audrey Jean Davenport Lanier, 76, went to be with her Lord on March 26, 2014 due to heart failure. She was born on September 18, 1937 in Norfolk, VA, the only daughter of Audrey and Joseph Davenport. After graduating from Montpelier High School, she earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut and a Master""s degree in Education from the University of South Florida. She moved to Lakeland and began a career in teaching that lasted more than 30 years. She taught at John Cox Elementary, Southwest Elementary and Lakeland Highlands Middle School. She also shared her experience by teaching classes at Florida Southern College. She had a passion for teaching and enjoyed talking with her former students over the years. Audrey enjoyed playing bridge and was a member of several bridge clubs throughout her life. She had a variety of hobbies including knitting, making cards, cooking and other crafts. Audrey was involved in a variety of organizations including The Delta Kappa Gamma Society, an honorary organization for key women educators. She was a charter member and held a variety of positions. Audrey had a strong faith in God and was actively involved in her church. She taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. For many years Audrey and her husband Curtis supported the Lakeland Dreadnaughts and they were a fixture in the stands at football games. Audrey will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She was generous with her time and knowledge. She was a loving mother, caring grandmother, reliable friend, and helpful neighbor. She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty years, Curtis Lanier and her daughter, Debbie Adrian. She is survived by her daughter Tonya and her husband Flip Farinella; her son Mark and his wife Dianne Lanier; her son-in-law Richard Adrian; her nine grandsons: David, Greg, and Adam Hahn; Luke, Sam and Drew Lanier; Hunter, Jacob and Kyle Adrian. She also had eleven great grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 1 from 2:00 to 3:00 PM followed by a memorial service at 3:00 PM at Family Worship Center Joy Center, 1330 East Rose Street, Lakeland, FL. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Delta Kappa Gamma scholarship fund. Make checks payable to Delta Beta Chapter, in memory of Audrey Lanier. Mail to: Kappa Delta Gamma c/o Pam Roy, 3577 Tigereye Ct., Mulberry, FL 33860. Service: 04/01/2014 Family Worship Center 1350 East Main Street, Lakeland, Florida 33801