Mrs. Joyce Sapp Lanier, age 86, died peacefully at home Thursday, February 26, 2026.

Born February 8, 1940, she was a life-long resident of Jenkins County.  She retired from the Jenkins County School system after more than 30 years of service.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Russell Sapp and Melrose Jackson Sapp; her husband, Charles W. Lanier, Sr.; sisters, Velma Bragg and Jeanette Brantley Turner; and brothers, Melvin Sapp and Gene Sapp.

Survivors include her son, Ernest Lanier (Ginger); grandchildren, Jackson Lanier, Sidnee Lanier and Tyler McMillan; sisters, Carolyn Law and Marilyn Welch (Andy) of Las Vegas, NV; brother-in-law, Walter Bragg and a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 3:00 pm Sunday, March 1, 2026 at Elam Baptist Church.  Visitation for family and friends will be at 2:00 pm until the time of service.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Jackson Lanier, Tyler McMillan, Ronnie Hendley, Skeebo Moore and George Dudley.  Honorary pallbearers will be employees of the Jenkins County School System.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Jenkins County Athletic Booster's Club.