Donna Rozelle Boles Lanning

Donna Rozelle Boles Lanning, age 86 of La Grange, NC, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2026, at her son's home in Youngsville, North Carolina. Born on October 12, 1939, in Uhrichsville, Ohio, Donna lived a life marked by deep faith, loving service, and a genuine connection with all who knew her.

Donna was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years, Glen Lanning; her parents, Donald Richard Boles and Anna Andreatta Boles; and 3 great-grandchildren who died before birth.

She is survived by her sister, Linda Boles Warrick (Woody Warrick) of Poland, Ohio, her daughter, Ann Hill (Chuck Hill) of Pendleton, South Carolina, and her son, Russell Lanning (Pam Lanning) of Youngsville, North Carolina. She was a proud grandmother to  Samuel Robert Hill, Joshua Hill, Johnny Hill, Bryce Lanning, Kristen Lanning Romanoski (Nick Romanoski), Patrick Lanning (Anna Bowman Lanning), James Palmer, and Samantha Lanning. She was also blessed with 4 great-grandchildren.

Donna loved her family deeply and was devoted to her faith in Jesus Christ. She never knew a stranger and had a remarkable ability to strike up a conversation with anyone she met, leaving a lasting impression of warmth and kindness.

Her life was one of faithful service. Beginning as a young teenager, Donna taught Sunday School at the 11th Street Church of God in Uhrichsville, Ohio. She later continued her ministry at Community Baptist Church in La Grange, North Carolina, where she taught Sunday School and Awana. She used her God-given artistic talents to create beautiful stained glass paintings that still adorn the churches she loved. She also crafted countless clothespin dolls representing biblical characters, helping Sunday School teachers and missionaries bring Bible stories to life for children.

Donna’s faith extended far beyond the walls of the church. She lived it daily by helping those in need and offering kindness to everyone she encountered. In the 1970s, she quietly led what was later recognized as the first integrated Cub Scout den in Eastern North Carolina, a testament to her inclusive spirit and servant’s heart.

A joint memorial service for Donna and her husband, Glen Lanning, will be held in the coming months at the North Carolina Veterans Cemetery in Goldsboro, North Carolina. The date and time will be announced at a later time.

Donna’s legacy of faith, love, creativity, and service will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made by clicking on the link to the Alzheimer’s Association. (www.alz.org)

Arrangements by Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919-556-7400)

www.cswfuneralhome.com