John Thomas Lanier, Sr. Obituary in Richmond at Scotts Funeral Home

Obituary For John Thomas Lanier, Sr.

Our beloved John T. Lanier, Sr. entered into eternal rest on January 18, 2021. John leaves behind a legacy of excellence and unconditional love for his family, his fraternity, his friends and his Community. Although our hearts are heavy, we will always cherish, celebrate and remember his "heart of gold " and his dedication to service. John's life is a true testament to his lifelong commitment to his devoted wife, Joyce and his loving son, John, Jr. His journey of life is a reflection of all of the individuals, who were blessed by his warm smile and his generous spirit of love.

John's life story began on August 3, 1952 when Mrs. Leomia Woods Lanier and Mr. Willie Terry Lanier, Sr. welcomed their youngest child into their family. Growing up, John was blessed to have a sister, Barbara and two brothers, Willie, Jr. and Jerry. They were nurtured in a very loving home in Danville, Virginia where they were taught the valuable life lessons of hard work, determination, integrity and love. These life lessons continued to be the guiding principles of John's life and he instilled those same family values in his son and the hundreds of young men and women that he mentored. John was a deeply spiritual man who, as a youth, joined Loyal Baptist Church in Danville and later attended All Souls Presbyterian Church in Richmond.

From a very young age, John distinguished himself as a smart, kind and loving person. He was very studious, athletic and well known as a trailblazing tennis player. His keen intellect and athletic abilities were showcased at Virginia Commonwealth University. While attending VCU, John pledged Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Gamma Chapter. This bold decision started John on his lifelong path of dedicated service to the community through his fraternity. He graduated from VCU in 1974 with a BS degree in Accounting and started his distinguished career at Reynolds Metals in Richmond.

John met the love of his life, Joyce Cooper in 1981, and they were joined in holy matrimony two years later. They were thrilled with the birth of their son, John, Jr. in 1986. John loved to spend time with his son and they bonded over all things sports, men's fashion and educational activities. Using his considerable accounting skills, John served as the PTA treasurer at John Jr.'s Elementary School, (AM Davis) and he volunteered to assist with anything John, Jr. was involved with. John had a passion for the Red Skins and looked forward to attending the games in person with his son and friends. They could be found watching the Red Skins practice at the Richmond Training Camp. Like father... like son ... they truly enjoyed just hanging out with each other.

John had many natural gifts, and talents, coupled with many hobbies, activities and adventures. He routinely took the whole family to U.S. Open Tennis Tournaments. John, an avid golfer and tennis player taught John Jr. how to play golf and tennis. He organized several golf tournaments and enjoyed going to PGA Tournaments with family and friends.

One of John’s favorite activities was sharing his love for tennis with their son. He helped John, Jr. develop his exceptional tennis skills and abilities at a young age. He became an accomplished junior tennis player and continues to be an outstanding tennis standout today. John and Joyce also enjoyed playing tennis together. Tennis was truly "A Family Affair" for the Laniers.

Always looking for new challenges and innovative ways to implement service to the community, John engaged himself with numerous leadership roles with Richmond Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Si Fraternity. He was instrumental in the development of outstanding programming and planning to uplift and empower young people. In 1974, John became a charter member of the Eta Xi Chapter. John served with distinction as the 23rd Eastern Province Polemarch and was honored to serve at the National level as Special Operating Assistant to the Grand Polemarch. John also earned numerous awards and recognitions for his outstanding service. He attended many Kappa Conferences, Province Council Meetings and Grand Chapter Meetings. Regardless of whether the task of the Fraternity was on the Chapter, Eastern Province or Grand Chapter level, John was a warm and friendly "Kappa Man”, ready to lend a helping hand. John loved the "crimson and cream" and his footprint of positive change and service will remain an integral part of Kappa history.

Although John faced some health care concerns the last few years of his life, he never lost his zest for life. He thoroughly enjoyed tennis, golf and football with his friends.. John and Joyce loved to host and entertain family and friends in their home. Whether it was a big holiday celebration or a few friends gathered just to watch football games or tennis matches, John made everyone feel at home and welcomed (unless you were "politely" asked to leave for cheering for the wrong team) . John always had a wise piece of advice, some groundbreaking political insight or a "dry" joke to keep you entertained and engaged. He was all about the fellowship, the delicious food (that Joyce cooked) and the fun he shared with his family and friends.

Predeceased by his parents and brother, Willie T. Lanier, Jr., he leaves to cherish his legacy his loving wife, Joyce Cooper Lanier and devoted son, John T. Lanier, Jr.; sister, Barbara M. Younger (Joseph) of Danville, VA; brother, Jerry L. Lanier of Winston Salem, NC; brother-in-law, Freddie Cooper (Cheryl) of Wilmington, NC; nephew, Freeman Cooper of Greensboro NC; cousin, Willie Lanier (Barbara) of Richmond, VA; life-long childhood friends, Harvey Graves and Alexander Owens, lll (Pat); his dedicated healthcare companion, Antoinette Rhoades; his fraternity brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Incorporated and a host of other family members and friends.

John's presence was our gift ... and he will surely be missed by all who knew and loved him. He touched our souls deeply and will always remain in our hearts.

Services have been entrusted to Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E Brookland Park Blvd., Richmond, Virginia 23222 In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in Memory of John T. Lanier to: RAC Kappa Scholarship Endowment Fund, C/O Carl Granderson, 6058 Pond Grass Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23111

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Mrs. Lanier; we have never met but I grew up with John in Danville and we both grew up in the same Church and High School; so I knew him well. I also went to VCU. Needless to say that I was hurt and very surprised to hear of his passing. You've indeed got my prayers and the prayers of my entire family. God bless you and I'm praying for a healed heart Ms. Joyce! Winston Chaney

Joyce, I was so very sorry to hear of John's passing. May God bless and keep you and your family during this difficult time. Richard & Lavern Simms

My deepest condolences to the family of John T. Lanier, Sr.. I'll always remember John as being a gentle giant. Sleep well my friend. You'll be missed deeply.

To the family of John Lanier, Sr., may you find peace in the love of family and strength in the care of friends. In prayer and sympathy. Dennis Winston and family.

Joyce, John and Family, we were so saddened to hear of John's passing. Our deepest sympathy and wishes that God will provide you comfort and strength during this difficult time. John was a special man who will forever be remembered in the hearts and lives of those who knew him. The Woolfolk Family, Michael, Zelda Boston-Woolfolk, Boston, Logan and Family

Our prayers goes out to the family of John T. Lanier, Sr. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Loretta & Alfred Quarles, Jr.

My deepest condolences to the family. John and I grew up together in Danville ,Va. I'm in shock to find out of his passing.

My deepest condolences to the family of John T. Lanier, Sr. Melvin Douglas (Bermuda).

My sincere condolences and sympathy to the family of brother Lanier. Words are difficult at these times - I recently loss my wife of 58 years and I understand the pain! Most notably was my joking with John when he had the EP project of finalizing the Virginia Kappa vehicle tag issue currently on most of our vehicles - "Why did it take twelve years to get approved." You can guess his reply!
Brother WALTER HILL PAC and FLAC

Joyce and John Jr - was sad to see John's passing in the RTD. I remember him as always friendly, positive, and energetic. It is obvious many people will miss him greatly. Sending my sympathy to both of you. Sandy and Chuck Fry (your ex neighbors in Surreywood)F4QK6

Dear Joyce
Celebrating the life of a good man and mourning his passing with you.
What an amazing person and what a remarkable life
I feel so lucky that I got to know him in a special place named Danville, VA.
I have the best memories of John as a kid. I would always look forward to him coming by the house and when he walked through the doorway with my brother (Harvey) after school, he would pick me up in the air and put me on his shoulders. I felt so special and I will always cherish that memory. He would come by the house during holidays and sing with us around the piano and eat up all the Christmas Holiday cookies as soon as they came out of the hot oven.
The bond from his parents who were also school mates with our parents was also special.
When my son decided to pledge Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity he was there for him in a very special way and without hesitation.
He touched so many lives for the good. What the two of you shared was truly something special. You loved each other so well.
I'm grateful I had the chance to know him as cherished friend of my brother, as a big brother, as a Mentor for my son, and thank you too for your mentoring of my daughter. You two were a special couple.
I know this must be a very difficult and demanding time for you all. I am keeping you in our thoughts and prayers and thinking of your family with love
"It's been a while since I have seen you all but my brother keeps me posted.
I know life won't be the same without John but I hope it helps a little to know that you're in my thoughts and prayers
Keeping you in my warmest thoughts as you navigate this difficult time—and wishing you hope and healing
Losing the one you love is so hard. And so I'm praying hard for you—for peace, for comfort, for whatever you need right now.
May GOD Bless You and Keep the Faith
Anita Graves-Jackson & Family

Joyce and family, Our deepest condolences on the loss of your husband, father, and family member. May God comfort and keep you and give you strength until you see him again in eternity for all eternity. Our prayers are with you all. Love, Leslye and Darryl Fraser

It is with my deepest condolences to the Lanier family on the passing of a good mentor and Brother. Being an initiate of Richmond Alumni Chapter in 1986 Bro Lanier would offer suggestions and assistance in identifying a resource so that I would become as knowledgeable as I can to become a good brother for our Fraternity and in life.
May God Bless the Lanier Family

Deepest Sympathy to the family of Past Eastern Province Polemarch of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, John Lanier. Know that Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can not heal.

My deepest condolences to Joyce , John Jr and the Family of John T. Lanier, Sr. . May his soul have eternal rest and the peace of the Lord be with his family in all ways, always. Lionell Parker.

Joyce and John Jr, You both have our deepest sympathy and prayers. Uncle Norman, Vivian and Shawn

Our deepest and sincere condolences to the family during these days of sorrow. May God give you a warm embrace of peace. -Rodney and Sonya Harvey

MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY AND MAY THE BLESSING CONTINUE TO GUIDE YOU.
-Donald RASPBERRY

To the family of Brother John T. Lanier, my profound condolences on your loss. I've had the privilege of knowing and working with him for over 35 years and I found him to be one one of the finest Kappas I have ever dealt with. Rest in peace Nupe.
T. Roosevelt (Teddy) Williams, Jr. Annapolis,MD Alumni

Joyce, I extend my sincerest condolences to you, John, Jr. and the Lanier family. I pray that God gives you strength, comfort and peace during this difficult time. Love to all. Audrey Settle

Cousin Joyce, Our heartfelt condolences and sympathy are extended to you, John Jr. and the Lanier family. We are praying that God comforts you during this difficult time. John Sr. left a wonderful legacy which makes his family and friends proud. RIP John Sr. Carolyn Cooper Ferguson and family (Miami, Florida)

Dear Joyce we offer our condolences to you and the family. During my 40 plus years of knowing John, he was a true KAPPA BROTHER. There was mothing he would not do for the fraternity as he rose up the ranks from Richmond Polemarch to the Province level. He will be surely missed. Tyrone E. Dickerson

Praying for the entire Lanier family. Rest in peace great Kappaman. Eric Hairston (Martinsville, VA/Hampton, VA)

Hello Joyce, I send my love and condolences to you and Lanier Family. May the lord strengthen your hearts and comfort you with his love.
Gloria Cooper (Miami, Florida)

To the family of John T. Lanier, Sr. As you walk through this time of loss, may you know that the Lord walks with you and He will comfort you. The Lord is close to all who call on Him. PSALM 145:18 David Felton and family, Fort Washington MD

Joyce and family, know that God will take care of you as you take care of each other. You are in my prayers. In sympathy and love, Gayle Sutton, CCPS

My sincere condolences to the family of Brother Lanier, we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.

Please accept our heartfelt condolences for the loss of your husband and father. Words can't do justice to how sad we were to hear of his passing. Our prayers are with you and your family...Lots of love 🙏 Marvin and Pat Freeman, Wilmington, NC

I was sorry to hear of the passing of my Kappa friend. We met when we both we presidents of our respective fraternity chapters. Our friendship led to many joint Kappa/Que ventures (and adventures). I offer my deepest sympathies to Joyce, whom I've know for many years, and the remainder of the Lanier family. May my friend John rest comfortably. Rayford L. Harris Jr. - An Omega Friend

Our sincerest condolences and sympathies to Joyce, John Jr., and the entire Lanier family for the loss of our dear friend, John Sr. May God continue to bless you, keep you, and let his Grace shine upon you! Charles, Jennifer, & Sterling Bowers (Burtonsville, MD)

Our deepest sympathy to Joyce, John, Jr. and the Lanier family. John was a mentor to me both in Kappa Alpha Psi and life. May the peace of the Lord be with you through this difficult time.
Cleve, Michelle, Cleve, Jr. and Madelyn Packer

Our deepest sympathy to the Lanier family.
Victor & Angie Cooper

Our deepest sympathy to the Lanier family.
Victor & Angie Cooper (Miami,Florida)

Silhouette Joyce, may you feel surrounded by the virtual hugs and love from Silhouettes of the Eastern Province and National Silhouettes as you, and the Family celebrate the life and legacy of Past Eastern Province Coordinator John Lanier. His support and service will always be remembered. John will be missed.
Sisterly, Jacquelene Sharp Massey Immediate Past 11th National Silhouettes President Past Eastern Province Coordinator

My sincere condolences to the family of John Lanier whom I had the pleasure of being a friend and Kappa Brother. I will always cherish the conversations with you and Steve during Province Council and Grand Chapter Meetings. The two of you always had time and space to welcome a good brother. May the Lord comfort and keep your family during their time of sorrow.

My deepest condolences to the Lanier family. Bro. Lanier was a fine example for all of the Brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi, but particularly those who were initiated through the Eta-Xi. His reserved and affable spirit will always be remembered. We are forever grateful for his vision and fortitude in establishing Eta-Xi at VCU. Sincerely, Clifton Porter II Spring 1986 Initiate Eta-Xi Chapter

Joyce - Our deepest sympathy fo you and your family. Kathy and Harry Byrd

My deepest condolences to the family. I pray God give you the comfort in knowing John is at peace and no more pain. Love from one of his old friend and sister to him. Helena Venters Corona Ca