Obituary of Lanette Stanley

July 8, 1942 - April 27, 2025

Our precious mother, Mildred Lanette Stanley, passed away on Sunday, April 27, 2025. She devoted her life to her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She treasured her family and embraced every moment with them. Her favorite title was Mamaw. During this time of grief, we know she would want her life to be remembered as one well lived—a good life, full of purpose and love. She helped so many along the way, not because she had to, but because it was who she was. She was a good daughter, a loving sister, a devoted wife, a wonderful mother, a loyal friend, and above all, a faithful Christian who dedicated her life to the Lord.

The beginning of her life was not easy, but she never once complained. Her belief was simple: "Life’s not fair—drive on." And she did. In 1965, she met the love of her life, Guy Stanley Jr., and became a proud and committed military wife. Though our father wore the uniform, our mother served right alongside him, following him across the world—from the U.S. to the Philippines to Turkey—raising a family while managing the challenges of military life with unwavering grace and strength.

Even in times of adversity, she chose hope. She rose to every occasion life placed in front of her. And through it all, she gave—hope, encouragement, support, and love in overabundance. A saying she said repeatedly, “It’s better to have more than not enough.” For much of my life, I thought she meant food—because yes, she always had a home-cooked meal on the table, enough to feed twenty people. But as time passed, I came to understand that it was a tiny sliver of a greater meaning.

More than enough love, more than enough patience, kindness, grace, and perhaps most importantly—happiness. She believed in sharing these gifts freely, especially with those who didn’t have quite enough of their own. Our dad, her beloved husband, used to say, “Never let anyone steal your joy. It’s the one thing the world can’t take unless you let them.” Mom believed that too. She filled our lives with joy and taught us to spread it. Years ago, I wrote a paper about family—that family is simply a group of people brought together by the grace of God. We were truly blessed by that grace—because God gave us her. What a privilege it has been to call her our mother. What a beautiful, full life we’ve lived because of her overflowing love. Her spirit lives on in each of us, and we will carry her lessons—her wisdom, her warmth, and her joy—always.

Your Hug Meant the World Nobody else held me so tight Or made me feel so right No one's eyes shined so bright with love As my mom, who is now high above. - Tamsen Butler

Left to honor her memory are her daughters, Lea Moore and husband, Nick, and Sherry Moore and husband, Darrell; son, Guy “Bubba” Stanley III and wife, Candy; brothers, Mack Davis and wife, Sally, and Calvin Davis; grandchildren, Donnie Nash and wife, Naconna, Chris Nash, Tassie Murphy and husband, Robert, Zack Schaver, Ashley Wilson and husband, Dusty, Shelbi McDonald and husband, Connor, Kailey White, Jalena Crisler and husband, Stephen, and Kari Moore; 20 great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family, friends and loved ones.

Preceding Lanette in death is her beloved husband, Guy “Pugan” Stanley Jr.; her parents; brothers, Wayne Davis and Jimmy Ray Davis; and sisters, Ruthie Carol Stanley and Melva Jean Davis.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Faith Outreach (Church of God), 36632 US Hwy 96 S., Buna, TX 77612. Lanette's life honoring funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, also at the church, with Bro. Shawn Stanley officiating and interment to follow at Morse Cemetery, Buna, TX.