Carol Lanelle Arant

Carol Lanelle Arant,100, affectionately known as Lannie, the only child of John and Gertha Cain, born on September 29, 1924 passed away peacefully on October 10, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. Lannie grew up in Greenville, Texas; and, as a young teenage girl, she met Hugh David Arant on a school class trip. Upon return, Dave announced to his father that he had found the girl he was going to marry! During a brief leave from the Marines, they were married in her parents’ home in Greenville on May 21, 1944.

Like most young couples from that era, they were separated for a time because of World War II. Lannie worked with other wives supporting the war effort and praying for their husbands’ safe return home. Upon return from the Pacific Theater, Dave took his beautiful bride to Texas A&M University where he studied engineering on the G.I, bill and Lannie took classes. Like most young married couples there, they lived in small trailer homes in the shadow of Kyle Field. Many dear and lasting friendships along with a love for playing bridge were made during that special time of life.

Lannie gave birth to their first daughter, Janet, in 1947. Over the next 17 years, three more daughters, Karen, Barbara, and Nancy, were added to the family while Lannie continued her studies part time at East Texas State Teachers College. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from SMU in 1960 and taught full time for 22 years in the Dallas ISD (mainly at William M Anderson elementary), followed by 10 years as a substitute teacher at Dan D Rogers elementary and then a tutor through her church. Lannie later attended night classes and summer school and received her Master of Liberal Arts from SMU in 1976. A lifetime learner and avid reader, she journaled and read devotionals daily. She loved playing the piano especially with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She had a gift for creating nutritious meals from few resources and her pound cake was legendary!

Some of her favorite memories were the many family vacation trips. One favorite destination was the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado. Besides traveling there many summers, it was the site of two wonderful family reunions including a celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary. Besides visiting every state in the United States except North Dakota, Dave and Lannie traveled extensively to the U.K., Europe, Asia and even a trip around the world! For over 25 years, World War II squadron reunions (VMB433.com) were cherished. Her favorite Dallas outings were attending the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s Sunday classical concerts, her memberships to the Dallas Arboretum and the Point at CC Young, and the State Fair of Texas where she was a charter member and volunteer at the Women’s Museum. She and Dave also enjoyed many years going to their home at Holly Lake Ranch in East Texas. In her final years, she became an avid Texas Rangers fan!

Lannie’s greatest affection, next to her treasured family, was her love for her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As a member of Ridgewood Park United Methodist Church for 70 years, she sang for 50 years in the Adult Chancel Choir where she loved singing the great hymns of faith. She cherished her New Life Sunday school class and actively participated until her move to CC Young this July. Trustee, Circle leader, UMW officer, VBS teacher, hand bell choir - just a few of her many roles over the years at RPUMC.

Lannie’s parents, husband David, and dear friend Charles Wisler predeceased her. She is survived by her four daughters, Janet Morris, Karen Folkes (Houston), Barbara Carleton (Skip), Nancy Shaver (Gary). Also her 10 grandchildren who affectionately called her “Mimmie”, Debra McCrorey, Robert McCrorey (Jenny), Glenn Folkes, Christy Evans (Adam), Catie Gibson (Todd), Brian Carleton (Stephany) Stephen Shaver (Cassi), Emily Burnett (Matthew), David Shaver, Kristen Shaver and 15 great grandchildren, Sarah McCrorey Dawn McCrorey, Josh McCrorey, Owen McCrorey, Elizabeth Lanelle Evans, Andrew Evans, Austin Evans, Avery Gibson, Sean David Gibson, Braden Carleton, Cameron Shaver, Payton Shaver, Ava Lanelle Burnett, Harry Burnett, Jack Burnett. She is also survived by extended family and dear friends, many who were often recipients of encouraging words in her beautiful penmanship and recently attended her wonderful 100th birthday celebration. Those who knew Lannie would speak affectionately of her as a kind, caring, resolute and resilient lady with amazing recall!

The daughters wish to thank the staff at CC Young for their great care of our mother during the few months she resided there. We also want to thank her church family at Ridgewood Park United Methodist Church for their love and support to Mom and our family.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Friday, October 25, at 1:00 PM at Ridgewood Park United Methodist Church, 6445 E. Lovers Lane, Dallas, Texas 75214. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to her church (rpumc.org) or the charity of choice.