[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 76 (Friday, May 13, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E697]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TO HONOR THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF EDNA LANIER

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                          HON. RICHARD HUDSON

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 13, 2016

  Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of 
Edna Lanier who passed away on April 17, 2016, at the age of 99. 
Throughout her life Mrs. Lanier was a fixture in the community of 
Lexington, North Carolina, and she will be greatly missed by all who 
had the pleasure of knowing her. I send my prayers and sincerest 
condolences to Mrs. Lanier's family and friends during this difficult 
time.
  By all accounts, Mrs. Lanier was the embodiment of what a North 
Carolinian should be--she was devoted to her family and friends, kind 
to every person she met, and passionate about making her community a 
better place for all to live. Throughout her life, Mrs. Lanier had a 
giving-spirit and wanted to share her knowledge and experiences with 
those around her, which led to her mentoring young women in her spare 
time. She was deeply committed to her faith and was an active member of 
the First United Methodist Church. Mrs. Lanier was also a passionate 
sports fan, especially of her beloved University of North Carolina Tar 
Heels.
  Mrs. Lanier was also a small business owner and a prominent member of 
the Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce. In 1940, Mrs. Lanier and her 
husband, Ardell, opened Lanier Hardware, which has been a fixture in 
uptown Lexington since the day it opened. Because Mr. and Mrs. Lanier 
were partners in everything they did, whether it was in business or in 
their everyday lives, she helped run the hardware store and would do 
all of the bookkeeping and accounting. They also started Standell 
Properties, a local real estate business.
  In addition to their successful business ventures in Lexington, the 
Laniers were actively involved in philanthropic efforts to help others 
in the community, working with local programs like the Lexington 
Civitan Club, the Davidson Prison Ministry and the West Davidson Public 
Library. Mrs. Lanier was often recognized by organizations in Lexington 
for her devotion to her community and the impact she had on the area. 
Among her many awards, Mrs. Lanier was recognized by the Lexington 
Chamber of Commerce as the 2006 ``Outstanding Woman of the Year.''
  Mr. Speaker, please join me today in remembering the life of Edna 
Lanier and celebrating her legacy that benefited so many in the town of 
Lexington, and the state of North Carolina.

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