Ardie Lanier

On June 14, 2023, Ardie Miller Lanier of Chester, Pennsylvania, passed away after a long illness. She was the sixth of nine children born to the late Raleigh and Lula Lewis Miller. Ardie was preceded in death by her husband, Willie G. Lanier Sr, and is survived by her two daughters, Elores Lanier Clark of Upper Marlboro, MD, and Janet Lanier (Caregiver) of Chester, Pa. as well as five sons: Leon (Shelia) of Centerville, VA, Hugh of Chester, PA, Ivan (Neida) of Delaware, Darrell (Jane) of Davidsonville, MD, and Erwin (Jalynne) of Baltimore, MD. Ardie also leaves behind 17 grandchildren, including Keedra (Caregiver), 16 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. She is survived by one sister, Lillian Dixon: one daughter-in-law Diane (Deceased-Willie Jr.); three brothers-in-law, Thomas, Lawrence, and Ronald (Della) Lanier; and four sisters-in-law, Vivian, Earnestine, and Ann Lanier. Additionally, Ardie is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends who will cherish her memory. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by son Willie Jr, son-in-law John Clark Sr. six sisters Eva Shelton, Alma Jenkins, Sylvia Womack, Angeline Miller, Ellen Coleman, Delcenia Jenkins, and one brother Vernett Miller. At a young age, Ardie Lanier declared her faith in the Lord, received baptism, and became a member of the Riceville Missionary Baptist Church in Java, Virginia. In the early 1950s, after Willie Sr. received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, the family moved to Chester, Pa. Despite the challenges of raising her children, she persisted, persevered, and pursued her education by enrolling and graduating from the Licensed Practical Nurse Program at the former Chester Hospital (Crozer-Chester Medical Center). As a certified LPN, Ardie worked for Fair Acres Geriatric Center in Lima, Pa., for many years and was a Private Duty Nurse before retiring with over 45 years of service. Ardie received many letters of commendation, including Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell (2003) for her service with the Foster Grandparent of Chester Program and a Note of Congratulations from former President Bill Clinton. Mrs. Lanier was a faithful member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, having joined under the leadership of Reverend L.J Freeman. She continued to serve under Pastors Gregory Hardaway, Merland McKnight, Vaughn Wilson, Ervin Millsap, and William Ashford III. Mrs. Lanier was deeply committed to her church, serving in various roles, including the Missionary Board, Kitchen Ministry (which she loved), Senior Choir, United Voices, and Mass Choir. Her favorite scripture was Psalms 23, which she would regularly recite until her memory began to fade. In 2008 Mrs. Lanier was one of several seniors honored by Shiloh for 50+ years of faithful service. She didn't drive but always had transportation to church activities, provided mainly by the late Henrietta Howard (her best friend). Deacon Arlington Northern and Trustee Homer Graham (choir members) also assisted in her transportation. She loved her Shiloh! In 2022, Shiloh celebrated its 90th Church Anniversary and honored Ardie Lanier for her more than 60 years of dedicated service. As Ardie’s daily routine, she immensely enjoyed receiving phone calls from her niece Veronica, her best friends such as Dolly, Ms. Howard and several others. We had the pleasure and misfortune (some would say) of witnessing those conversations that could last for hours! Everyone loved talking to their aunt and friend, and that love was indeed returned in kind. Matthew 25:21 His lord said to him," Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things; I will set you over many things.

Ardie Lanier

September 10, 1923 - June 14, 2023