Phebia Lanier

Phebia Lanier, 84, of Metter, Georgia, and beloved wife of Jerry Lanier, passed away peacefully on the evening of Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Ogeechee Area Hospice.

Born in Candler County, Phebia was the daughter of J.T. Rocker, Jr., and Margaret Bland Rocker.  She began her education in Pulaski and later attended high school in Metter, graduating in 1958. In 1959, she married Jerry Lanier, and the couple briefly lived in Swainsboro before settling in Statesboro in 1960. In 1961, she graduated from Georgia Teachers College, now Georgia Southern University.  While in Statesboro, Phebia taught preschool and kindergarten, which she co-owned and operated for several years.

Phebia was a charter member of Eastern Heights Baptist Church in Statesboro and a dedicated member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. In 1977, she and Jerry moved to Metter, where they have lived for the past 47 years. A devoted member of Pulaski Baptist Church for many years, she later transferred her membership to Metter First Baptist Church. At Metter First Baptist, Phebia lovingly taught the Ruth Sunday School Class and served on numerous church committees. Phebia was a member of the Pineland Homemakers in Metter.  She was very artistically talented.  Phebia taught herself calligraphy, took painting lessons and enjoyed making special keepsakes for all of her grandchildren.  She served on the card committee at the church.  She especially enjoyed mentoring and working with the church’s youth.  Phebia was a loving caretaker of several of her family members.  She grew up as the only daughter in her immediate family and took care of her mother and father, two of her aunts that had no children, and a cousin that never married.

In addition to her parents, Phebia was preceded in death by her sister, Judy Rocker who died at birth.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Jerry Lanier of Metter; her daughter, Sonya Lanier Durrence (Kyle) of Reidsville; her son, Reggie Lanier (Mandy) of Metter; her grandchildren, Bethany Taylor (Austin), Walker Lanier, Bailey McCumber (Harley), Blake Lanier and Brynn Cobb (Luke); her great-granddaughter, Phoebe Kate Taylor who was born on her great grandmother’s birthday and named as her namesake; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel, in Metter.

The funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Metter First Baptist Church. Interment will be private at Rosemary Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.

Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Ruth Sunday School Class.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel, of Metter is entrusted with the arrangements.