Annie Marie Lanyon

Annie Marie Lanyon of Fort Valley passed away on Thursday, July 17, 2014. The daughter of the late Orbin Duncan Howell and Annie Dean Howell, Annie was born on January 4, 1930. At the age of two, she made her debut into the world when she won the Little Miss Macon contest. Annie attended Miller High School where she graduated with honors. To further her education, she enrolled in Georgia Women's College in Milledgeville and remained there one year. Annie completed her education at Mercer University where she was a member of Chi Omega Sorority and received a major in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Spanish. Annie married the late Robert Eugene Lanyon from Fort Collins, Colorado on March 25, 1951. They moved to Dallas, Texas where Robert was stationed. She taught school in Dallas for one year. In 1952, they moved to Fort Valley, Georgia where Robert set up his practice in the old Woolfolk building and Annie taught school in Marshallville and then Fort Valley. Annie was a dedicated member of the Fort Valley Presbyterian Church where she served as a leader of many church groups. She enjoyed being an active member of the community and held offices in the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Town and Country Garden Club, the Study Club, the Library Auxiliary and the Service League. Annie was also a volunteer for the American Cancer Society. She was a member of the American Camellia Society and she grew the beautiful flowers and won many ribbons. She remained active in the Mercer Alumni Association, and for many years she met her Chi Omega sisters for lunches and birthdays. She was a member of the Half Century Club at Mercer University. Bridge was the game she loved and she played weekly with friends. Annie was preceded in death by Bob, her beloved husband of 58 years; her brother, Orbin; and her best friend, "Bease" Avery Peterson. She is survived by her children, Robert Eugene Lanyon of Lynchburg, Virginia, and Mary Elizabeth Clark of Fayetteville, Georgia; her grandson, Adam Robert Clark of Saint Simons, Georgia; her granddaughter, Mary Kathleen Clark of Fayetteville, Georgia; and her caregiver and friend who never left her side, Maggie Thomas. Graveside services will be held Monday, July 21, 2014 at 11:00AM at Oaklawn Cemetery, Fort Valley, Georgia with the Reverend Dr. Royeese Stowe officiating. Friends may view Mrs. Lanyon at Hart's at the Cupola, 6324 Peake Road, on Sunday from 1:00PM until 7:00PM. The family will receive friends at 511 Hardeman Avenue, Fort Valley, Georgia on Sunday from 3:00PM until 5:00PM. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to Fort Valley Presbyterian Church, 207 Central Avenue, Fort Valley, Georgia 31030 or to Heart of Georgia Hospice, 103 Westridge Drive, Warner Robins, Georgia. Register online at www.hartsmort.com. Hart's Mortuary and Crematory at the Cupola, 6324 Peake Road, has charge of arrangements.