Evelyn Bates Lanning

Evelyn Bates Lanning, 80, a resident of Station Drive, Lexington, passed away Thursday, May 17, 2007 surrounded by loved ones. Funeral Services will be conducted 11:00 AM Monday at First Reformed United Church of Christ, Lexington, with the Rev. Mike Hooper officiating. Interment will follow in Lexington City Cemetery. Mrs. Lanning was born August 31, 1926 in Davidson County to the late Charles Hollis Bates, Sr., and Addie Mae Helmstetler Bates, the last of five children. She was a life long member of the First Reformed United Church of Christ. In addition to her parents, preceding her in death was her husband, John Wilson Lanning in July 1997, beloved sister, Mildred Morgan, beloved aunt, Esther Helmstetler, sister Mary Virginia Ray, and nephew Alan Jackson. She is survived by three daughters, Carol Church and her husband Richard of Asheboro; Myra Thompson of Lexington and Laura Perry and her husband, Mike of Thomasville; a sister, Etta Mae Jackson of Salisbury; and a brother, C.H. Bates, Jr., of Lexington. Also surviving are three grandchildren, Leah Maness and her husband, Scott, of Ramseur , Mary Jon Church of Winston-Salem, Lauren Thompson of Lexington, her great granddaughter, Tori Maness, very special niece Norma Baker Cook of Raleigh, and nephews Jimmy Ray of Florida and Roger Lanning of Lexington, brother in law Elmer Morgan and sister in law Helen Lanning, both of Lexington, and dear friend for forty years, Grecia Calhoun of Lexington. The family will receive friends Monday one hour prior to the service in the Parlor at First Reformed United Church of Christ and other times will be at the home of the daughter, Myra Thompson, 106 Hammond Road, Lexington, NC. Evelyn touched the hearts of many in such special ways, and her loving, generous spirit, welcoming voice, and warm smile will always be remembered by those who loved and knew her. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the nonprofit organizations that helped her take care of those she loved so much, her beloved feline companions Bubba, Baby-Baby, Mr. T, Sam Tiger, and other cat pals: Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, PO Box 4461, Greensboro, NC 27404 and Feral Cat Assistance Program, PO Box 29112, Greensboro, NC 27429.