2018. She was born in Greenville, Texas, on July 27, 1958 – the third of five children and eldest
daughter – to former Houston Mayor Bob Lanier and his wife, Liz Lanier, both
of whom have preceded her in death.
Elizabeth Lanier began her piano career at age 5 by commencing lessons with Edward Acton,
Music Director of St. Luke's Methodist Church, and by age 9, she and her sister Holly,
performed the piano at Jones Hall in a recorded performance of the Houston Music
Festival. She was later accepted at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan,
followed by the University of Hawaii, where she studied under the tutelage of
internationally recognized late Dr. Edward Shipwright. During her first year, she received
the highest award given for piano performance. The Lanier family has a long history
of musically-inclined ancestry, with the most distinguished being Nicholas Lanier, Court
Musician to King Charles I and II of England. Several of his compositions were
performed by the Early Baroque Music Ensemble at the University of Hawaii during
Ms Lanier's studies at the university. The family musical legacy continues with Elizabeth's
son Brent, who will attend HSPVA this fall.
Elizabeth had many true and loyal friends who warmed her heart, lifted her spirits,
laughed, cried, and comforted her, especially during her final weeks with us all. She was truly humbled and overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support she received. Her family would like to profoundly thank cousin Pam Rush for her frequent and uplifting visits,
as well as Jonathan Campbell, Debra Winograd, and Adriana Ratsch-Rivera for their
extra love and support which meant so much. Thank you to the nurses and care staff at Harbor Hospice for their kindness, compassion and unwavering faith they shared with Elizabeth.
She reluctantly leaves behind her beloved only child, Jonathan Brent Campbell, Jr.; her
loving sister, Holly Lanier; and her fiercely protective brothers, Clay Lanier and wife, Donna;
their sons, Clayton and Carlton Lanier; brother, Fred Lanier, and brother Gus Lanier and his
children: Judi, Jessie, and Mitchell Lanier; as well as numerous friends and extended
family.
A celebration to honor Elizabeth's life is planned for Friday, August 17, 2018, at 1:00PM, in the Chapel at St. John the Divine Episcopal Church, 2450 River Oaks Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77019. A
reception will follow the service immediately at St. John the Divine Episcopal Church. A private family interment will be in Memorial Oaks Cemetery, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77079.
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