Jerry Lanier Obituary

Jerry P. Lanier Charleston - Jerry Powell Lanier, 70, of Charleston, SC, passed away August 16, 2022, following a courageous struggle with Alzheimer's Disease. Jerry grew up in Chadbourn, NC, before attending Pembroke University and earning a Master's degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After a brief teaching stint at UNC-Charlotte, he began a long and distinguished career with the U.S. State Department as a Foreign Service Officer, eventually serving as ambassador to Uganda and charge; d'affaires in Sudan. He also served in the Philippines, Thailand, Bosnia, Germany, Kenya, and Ghana, as well as multiple assignments in Washington, DC. Jerry was predeceased by his parents, Buell Lanier and Helen Lanier (Giard) of Chadbourn, and a brother, Buell Edward (Eddie) Lanier, also of Chadbourn. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Catherine Kannenberg, of Charleston, SC; and children, Julianne Hollingsworth (Robert), of Burlington, NC; Peter Lanier (Emily), of Silver Spring, MD; Claire Lanier of Charleston, SC; Jordan Lanier (Erin) of Charleston, SC; brothers Terry Lanier (Ann) of Whiteville, NC; Gary Wayne Lanier (Becky) of Angier, NC; and former spouse, Jackie Lanier of Charleston, SC. Jerry was a loving grandfather to Sierra, Anna, Lucy, Penny, Henry, and Nora. Jerry's life will be celebrated at Worthington Funeral Home in Chadbourn, NC at 2 p.m. on August 20th. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston