Lanell Williams

Lanell Williams

Named Avis LaNell Shannon, this extraordinary woman was born in the farming community of North Zulch, Iola County, Texas.  She was born at home with midwife delivery, the youngest of four other siblings-three sisters and a brother.  Sometimes called Nell, she grew up in the Great Depression Era.  “We were poor, but we didn’t know it because everyone was the same way.”

She graduated from Austin High School in Bryan, Texas.  Later employment in the dental school at Texas A&M University resulted in her meeting and marrying Clayton Williams, who was stationed there with the U.S. Army.  She traveled many places while a military spouse before settling in Fort Pierce, Florida in 1960.  During her 52 years of marriage, she was blessed with children Gail, David, and Darrell; grandchildren, Daniel, Mary Lee, Samuel and Shannon; great-grandchildren, Jackson, Jordyn and Janna.  She includes as family her daughters-in-law, Joy and Leslie, and her granddaughter-in-law, Jessica.

Lanell and her family became well-known for their Sun & Shade Garden Center on Okeechobee Road in Fort Pierce. Lanell took up hobbies of collecting exotic plants, ceramics, oil painting, piano playing, and quilting. She was also an avid reader, Bible studier and journaler.  She loved to visit with family and friends at home and church.

A private graveside service was held by Haisley Funeral Home at White City Cemetery on January 17, 2024.