Gladys Smith Lanier

Gladys Smith Lanier, 96, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 30, 2024 surrounded by loving family. She was born December 18, 1927 in Jacksonville, Florida as the only daughter to parents Marvin C. and Ida M. Smith. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Arthur L. Lanier and her brothers Marvin C. Smith Jr., Curtis A. Smith and J. Eugene Smith. Gladys was the beloved wife of Arthur L. Lanier for over 62 years and a loving mother to three children: son A. Larry Lanier, daughters Theresa D. Mays (Donald) and Loretta G. Lanier (Michael). She and all three of her children graduated from Andrew Jackson Senior High School. In 1962 Gladys and Arthur moved their family to Fort George Island and then in 1978 to Fernandina Beach. From childhood, she attended Dunns Creek Baptist Church and remained active as an adult. Gladys was a respected Sunday school teacher and facilitated the young married women’s class. As an involved community member, she was the PTA President of Oceanway School, Secretary of the Oceanway Health Clinic and member of the American Business Women’s Association. Gladys worked in accounting and payroll at St. Regis Container Division and retired after 15 years. Lifetime hobbies included gardening, quilting and baking. Sentiments of joy and love touched all she met; especially her three grandsons: Daniel L. Lanier (Kelly), Darrell S. Lanier (Renee), and Jason E. Mays (Carrie), seven great-grandchildren: Chase, Kaitlynn and Zachary Lanier, Brittany and Brandon Lanier, and Regan and Jack Mays, five great-great-granddaughters and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 3 at 11am in the chapel of Cedar Bay Funeral Home, 405 New Berlin Road with Reverend Dave Malmberg officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Internment will follow in Ferreira Cemetery, Jacksonville. In addition to flowers, donations may be made to Dunns Creek Baptist Church (1425 Starratt Road, Jacksonville Florida 32218).

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