Joyce Lanier

Joyce Ann Lanier, 86, of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2025. Born on October 26, 1938, in Alexandria, Tennessee, Joyce spent most of her life in Lebanon, Tennessee, where she was known for her sweet and sassy personality, talkative nature, and timeless sense of style.

Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved husband of thirty-eight years, Marvin "Larry" Lanier, and her son, Kenny Ray Meadows. She was also preceded by her siblings Dot Appleby, Billy Barry, Sonny Barry, Benny Barry, Sadie Mann, Wayne Barry, Charles Barry, and Robert Barry.

Joyce is survived by her devoted daughter, Sebrina Kuban-Cooke (Harris), her treasured grandsons Tyler Kuban (Carlie) and Zach Kuban, Tara Dawn Tedder (Brent) daughter of her late son, Kenny Ray Meadows; and her great-grandchildren: Hope, Joelle, Della "Joyce," and Tripp Garrels Kuban. Joyce is also survived by her loving siblings Doris Branch, Brenda Cartwright, and Sammy Barry.

Joyce had a strong work ethic and spent many years at Oman Construction Company, owned by Jack and Stirton Oman. Later, she worked for Archie Boone - father of singer Pat Boone - at his Nashville-based construction firm, where she eventually retired. She was also a dedicated member and secretary of the American Business Women's Association, always proud to support and uplift other working women.

Joyce loved to travel, especially to the Florida beaches with her close friends Dot Stubblefield and Marilyn Haines. After marrying Larry, the two enjoyed time on the road together, building their dream home in Lebanon, where Joyce could often be found cooking, visiting with friends, or riding her mower around the yard. She cherished trips to Dallas to visit her daughter and grandchildren, family visits in Savannah, Georgia, and little getaways to Tunica.

Joyce was always dressed to the nines - high fashion was her signature - and shopping was her all-time favorite past-time. She never met a stranger, loved a good conversation, and could light up a room with her presence. And if you ever shared a secret with her, she probably took it with her.

In her later years, Joyce faced many health challenges with remarkable3 strength. She lived with cognitive Alzheimer's disease and endured many falls over the past seven years, which led to strokes and ultimately an aneurysm. Through it all, she remained full of spirit and surrounded by love.

The year, 2024, was especially difficult, as she experienced the heartbreaking loss of her lifelong friend of seventy years, Judy Farmer.

Joyce brought warmth, laughter, and light into the lives of everyone who knew her, and she lives behind a legacy of grace, resilience, and unforgettable memories.

Visitation & Services

Visitation:

Friday, October 24, 2025 from 4:00 PM - 7:00PM

Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Funeral Service:

Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Officiated by Rev. Ken Tramel

Location: Hermitage Funeral Home

535 Shute Lane, Old Hickory, TN 37138

Burial:

Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens @ 3:00 PM

Tyler Kuban, Zach Kuban, Andy Cartwright, Danny Cartwright, Sammy Ray Barry, and Chris Branch will serve as pallbearers. Mark Appleby will serve as an Honorary Pallbearer.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joyce's memory to the Alzheimer's Association www.alz.org. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Lanier family by selecting "Add a Memory" at the bottom of this page.