Mary Lou Dekle Lanier

Mary Lou “Mama Lou” Dekle Lanier, 86, entered into her heavenly home Friday, December 8, 2023, surrounded by family members.  Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, December 11, 2023, at Autreyville Baptist Church with Reverend Dr. Robert McCoy and Mr. Donnie Edwards officiating.  Music provided by David Oaks. A private interment will follow in Lebanon Cemetery in Pavo. The family will receive friends from 1:00-1:45 PM at Autreyville Baptist Church. Casket bearers will be Timmy Cooper, Bobby Cooper, Brett Bennett, Craig Mims, Doug DeMott, and John Gibson.

Born February 17, 1937, in Moultrie, Mary Lou was the daughter of the late Coy Dekle and Estelle Rosencrantz Dekle.  The character of the life she lived might be summed up in a few words; she was kind, she was honest, she was encouraging, she was humble, she was admirable, she was beautiful. She deeply and intimately loved her family and friends; thus, she is adored by all.  Mama Lou’s love for her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is her greatest legacy. She was and always will be an ideal matriarch that will continue to influence and inspire those who loved her through her love, faith, strength, and generosity.   

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack Neal Lanier; sisters, Dorothy DeMott Turner, and Margie Dekle Mims; and daughter-in-law, Diane Foster Lanier.

Survivors include her children, Mitzi Lanier Edwards and husband Donnie, Jackie Lanier Sloan and husband Ricky, Jana Lanier Petrey and husband Jim, all of Moultrie, Paul Flanery and wife Michelle; grandchildren, Jade Edwards, Alex Martin and Sam, Lanier McLeod and Rod, Shae Suber and Michael, Richie Sloan, Garrett Brewer and Devon, Bailey Connell and Zac, Chelsey Slusher, Logan Linkenhoger and Mikael, Paige Culpepper and Jordan, Landon Lanier, Lacey Lanier Herndon and Heath, Cade Flannery, Braegan Flannery; twenty-two great grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends.