*93i y\Qeiobrat\on of <3ie and o)he (Homegoing f (Wiffic ^A\oscs ^onltam Friday, December 18,1998 12:00 Noon Jilim baptist (Kljurt\\ Augusta, Georgia ****** The Reverend Rudolph Mayes ~ Officiating CMjb (bttimrg Life does not end with the loss of breath, and life does not stop in the hands of death. On Monday, December 14, 1998, the Angel of Silence released ^OSCS ^nfiam from his present world of joy and pain; and the essence that was his life soared to a land far fairer than ours ~ an eternal land where he is in joyous reunion with those loved ones who preceded him and at rest with our Heavenly Father. At an early age, Willie Moses Lanham was converted and baptized at the Mount Moriah Baptist Church in McCormick, South Carolina. Throughout his life, he remained a faithful member of this family church in which he had grown up. The youngest of nine children of the late Enoch Clarence Lanham and Mozelle McKie Lanham, Willie was born on November 30, 1931, in McCormick, South Carolina. Until her death in 1973, he remained his mothers baby. Four of his siblings preceded him to Glory: David Sonny Lanham, Marie L. McLemore, Inez L. Brunson, and Augustus James (A.J.) Lanham. Four additional sisters and brothers survive him. They are Enoch C. Buddy (Ora) Lanham of McCormick, SC; Isaac (Regina) Lanham of Washington, DC; and Mrs. Annie Mae (Valdon) Walker and Mrs. Lula B. Freeman, both of Augusta, GA. He is also survived by: sisters-in-law, Gladys Howard and Elsie Stallings of Decatur, GA; Mozelle (York) Parm of Ayers, MA; and Gloris (Roosevelt) Riley of Rome, GA. In addition to having been blessed and bom into a large and loving family, Willie Moses Lanham was especially blessed when he met and married Doris Beedles in 1956. Throughout their life together, she gave him as much love and support as a spouse and friend could give a mate. When Willies health began to fail a few years ago, the entire Lanham Family said a special prayer of thanks because she was in his life. Willies life was also greatly enriched by the three loving and devoted daughters born to this marriage: Mrs. Reticileous Arnett (Marquette) Cooper of Fort Washington, MD; Ms. Debra L. Williams of Norcross, GA; and Mrs. Mellanie S. (Stanley) Robinson of Woodstock, GA. The three daughters have given Willie and Doris two grandchildren who sorely miss their grandfather, Cherise Monet and Levi Jarrod Williams. Many very special nieces, nephews, additional in-laws, and friends are also among Willies survivors. While family members sometimes teased him about mixing up the names of nieces and nephews, Willie Moses Lanham had a sharp intellect that was highly respected by family, friends, and community. He chaired the Lanham Family Reunion Committee for many years and served as Commander of the American Legion Screen - Ramsey Post 505 for several terms. He also held other offices within the organization. Willie always took great pleasure in lending a helping hand and was involved in many other community activities. His chosen profession required both mental sharpness and compassion for others. For thirty years, he worked as a nursing assistant at the Veterans Administration Hospital. After his retirement in 1989, he and Doris took full advantage of the travel opportunities that came their way. Willie served in the United States Army and served with honor during the Korean War Era. Willie Moses Lanham was a unique mixture of intelligence, common sense, and humility. His daughters also characterized him as observant, inquisitive, and outspoken. He relaxed by fishing, reading and watching spectator sports. In Willie Moses Lanham, we have witnessed a chapter completed, a page well turned, a life well lived, and a rest well earned. He is now with his God. jp rfrer &f bite Organ Prelude Processional Selection ........................................................................................Choir Invocation ........................................................................Elder Fletcher Dyson Pleasant Grove A.M.E. Zion Church Sardis, Georgia Scripture.......................................................................... Elder Fletcher Dyson Michelle Brown Acknowledgements .................................................................Betty Wilson Expressions Friend ....................................................................Doseye Allen American Legion Post 505 ..................................................Ben Williams Eulogy ..........Reverend Rudolph Mayes Assistant Pastor, Elim Baptist Church Recessional ~ Interment ~ Mount Olive Memorial Gardens Deans Bridge Road Augusta, Georgia cJTte ^Participants Jor cJhe Qziobratxon JXritfre Pallbearers NEPHEWS Willie Marion Lanham James Thomas Lanham David Waddell Lanham ^fannrarg Pallbearers The American Legion Post 505 Tfflafoev fearers The American Legion Post 505 Ladies Auxiliary **************** Clarence Lanham Raymond Lanham Valdon Walker, Jr. Sajefy Home / am home in Heaven, dear ones; Oh, so happy and so bright! There is perfect joy and beauty In this everlasting light. All the pain and grief is over, Every restless tossing passed; I am now at peace forever, Safely home in Heaven at last. Did you wonder I so calmly Trod the valley of the shade? Oh! but Jesus love illumined Every dark and fearful glade. And He came Himself to meet me In that way so hard to tread; And with Jesus arm to lean on, Could 1 have one doubt or dread? Then you must not grieve so sorely, For I love you dearly still: Try to look beyond earths shadows, Pray to trust our Fathers Will. There is work still waiting for you, So you must not idly stand; Do it now, while life remaineth ~ You shall rest in Jesus land. When that work is all completed, He will gently call you Home; Oh, the rapture of that meeting. Oh, the joy to see you come! **************** ~ Ln ^Appreciation ~ To all who have shared our sorrow and expressed their love in so manv wavs heart-felt thanks. J . THE FAMILY **************** XkJilliami ^Juneraf^J4ome, Jlnc. 1765 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard ~ Augusta, Georgia (706) 722-5551