Willie Nell (Steede) Lanier, age 88, of George County, Mississippi, passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord and Savior on June 5, 2026.

A lifelong resident of George County, Nell was a woman whose life was defined by her faith, her family, and her love for others. She was a devoted member of Salem Methodist Church, where she faithfully worshiped and served throughout her life. Her church family and her own family were the center of her world, and she devoted herself wholeheartedly to both.

Nell never met a stranger. She possessed a rare gift for making people feel welcome. Friends, neighbors, newcomers, and distant relatives alike often found themselves gathered around. If you crossed paths with Nell, there was a good chance you would soon receive an invitation to join her for a holiday meal. Among all family traditions, Easter was her favorite. Each year she hosted large Easter gatherings filled with food, laughter, fellowship, and multiple generations of family and friends.

Nell was matriarch of one of the original families of Salem Campground. The annual Salem Camp Meeting, held during the first week of October, was among her greatest joys. The Steede Tent was her pride and joy, a place that was always filled with people and food.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Lessie Steede, husband, Lenard Lanier; her daughter, Juanelle Scott; her; sisters, Mable Beasley and Louella Brown, and brothers, Shelton Steede and Nolan Steede, and numerous other cherished family members and friends who welcomed her into Heaven.

She is survived by her children, Rhonda Davidson, Renita (Anthony) Hollman, Audrey (Kevin) Prekopa, Michael Lanier, Cindy Shell, and her son-in-law, Mark (Karen) Scott, her grandchildren, Corbin Davidson, Kyle Davidson, Allen Hollman, DeVan Hollman, Krista Hollman, Jordan Scott, Logan Foshee, Brycen Scott, Larkin Stuart; Seth, Nicole, and Ben Shell;

Landon, Ava and Ansleigh Lanier, and multiple great grandchildren.

Nell's legacy is one of faith, hospitality, and love. She loved her family fiercely, treasured her church, and never lost her compassion for the animals she cared for throughout her life. Her influence will live on in the generations she helped raise, the traditions she helped preserve, and the many people who were blessed to know and love her.

Pallbearers: DeVan Hollman, Josh Ates, Brycen Scott, Logan Foshee, Corbin Davidson and Kyle Davidson. Honorary Pallbearers: Jordan Scott and Allen Hollman.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 pm on June 10, 2026 at Salem Methodist Church, 26900 Salem Campground Road, Lucedale, MS 39452. Interment will follow in Carter Cemetery, Section Line Road, Lucedale.

Visitation will be from 11:00am-1:00pm on June 10, 2026 at Salem Methodist Church.

Sigler Funeral Home, 4248 Main Street Lucedale MS 39452, 601-941-3112 , is in charge of funeral arrangements.