Patricia A. Lanier

Patricia A. “Pat” Lanier, 79, of Albany, Ga., passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026, at her residence, surrounded by the love of her family.

A memorial service celebrating Pat’s life will be held Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Mathews Funeral Home, with Mr. Ross Powell officiating.

Pat was a native of Wauseon, Ohio, born to the late Andrew and Blanche Roe. She grew up in Tecumseh, Mich., where she spent her formative years and graduated from Tecumseh High School. Pat continued her education at college, building a strong foundation that would serve her well throughout her life.

She met the love of her life, Sam Lanier, in the early ‘70s in Albany, Ga., where they made their home. Pat devoted many years of faithful service as an accountant with Gary T. Williams, CPA, where she worked for years before retiring in 2025.

Pat was known for her kind heart, quick wit, sharp mind, and her strong, steady spirit. She found joy in crocheting, playing Scrabble, bingo, fishing, and took special delight in her collection of giraffe figurines. Above all, Pat treasured time spent with her family, who were the center of her world.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Sam R. Lanier III, of Albany, Ga.; her children, Tony (Michele) Yenser of McDonough, Ga., Sam Roy (Rosemary Hobbs) Lanier IV of Lee County, Ga., and Stephanie (Dakota) Ringgold of Ashdown, Ark.; her sister, Crystal Roe, of Tecumseh, Mich.; her grandchildren, T.J. (Jacque) Yenser of Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Amanda Yenser of McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., Kyle (Kirsten) Yenser, N.J., Natalie Lanier and Sam R. Lanier V, both of Lee County, Ga., Andrew “Pnut” Johnson of Lynchburg, Va., Dal Ringgold of Ashdown, Ark., and Wil (Michala) Ringgold of Melbourne, Ark.; and eight great-grandchildren, who brought her immense pride and joy.

The family will receive friends Thursday from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Mathews Funeral Home.

To sign our online registry, or to send condolences to the family, you may visit Mathews’ website at mathewsfuneralhome.com.