Beverly Ann Lanier, age 87, of Russellville, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at St. Mary's Regional Medical Center.  She was born July 21, 1936, in Arkadelphia, to Ralph Nathaniel and Ruby Fern Summerville James.

Beverly Lanier was an incredible individual whose life was centered around her love for the Lord, her family and friends, and service to others.  She dedicated her life to making a difference in the lives of those around her.

Beverly grew up in Little Rock.  After graduating from Central High School, she began a 20-year career as a floating secretary to the officers of the Union National Bank.  Due to her strong work ethic, she was eventually promoted to Executive Secretary to the Chairman of the Board.   She developed strong relationships with her fellow employees.  Even after leaving Union Bank and moving to Russellville, she continued to organize and attend the Union Reunion for the next ten years.

Beverly was a people person.  She loved people and she never forgot a name or a face. After moving to Russellville, she started her second career as church secretary to the pastor.  Because of her love for people, her tenacious work ethic, her incredible memory, and amazing personality, she became invaluable in this position.  If you needed to know a name, place, or date you were told to "just ask Beverly at the church."  She would have your answer and a story to go with it.  She retired in 2001, but she did not slow down.

Beverly continued to serve her church and her community after retirement.  As a member of First Baptist Church, she taught children, worked Vacation Bible School, and served on various committees.  She was a member of Bible Study Fellowship for 30 years and a 40-year member of the oldest chapter of Book Lovers in Russellville.  She also served as a volunteer at the River Valley Christian Clinic from 2007-2023. These words were written about her service to the Clinic:

"Beverly's warm smile, kind words, and unwavering commitment to helping others will be greatly missed.  She had a remarkable ability to brighten the lives of everyone she encountered, and her impact on our community cannot be measured."

Loving, gracious, witty, welcoming, compassionate, kind and caring are just a few of the myriad of words used to describe Beverly.  She often demonstrated these attributes by cooking countless meals and delivering them to those in need.  She had the love, respect, and admiration of all who knew her.

Beverly was the ultimate Razorback fan.  On game day she could be seen in Razorback red cheering them on.  Her shouts and cheers reverberated throughout the neighborhood.

In 1961, she married James (Jim) W. Lanier, the love of her life, and they  "danced" their way through 62 years of life together.  The pride of her life was their son, Ladd, his wife, Celeste and their children, Paige and Will.  Beverly also cherished her many friends who came from all walks of life.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her stepmother, Edna James; a brother, Ralph Nathaniel James; and two sisters, Mary Bridges and Johnnie Neu.

Survivors include her husband, James W. Lanier; a son and daughter-in-law, Ladd and Celeste Lanier of Springdale; brothers-in-law, Bill Neu of Benton and Woodrow Bridges of Maumelle; stepsister, Marita Bivins of Little Rock; and two grandchildren, Ashley Paige Lanier of Denver, Colorado, and William B. Lanier of Springdale.

The memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at First Baptist Church in Russellville with the Rev. Dr. Stephen Davis and the Rev. Greg Sykes officiating.  A private burial for the family will be in Oakland Cemetery under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, 200 South Denver, Russellville AR 72811 or the Gideons International, P.O. Box 1604, Russellville AR 72811.

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.shinnfuneral.com .