It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Lanelle Moss Stanley, a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, cousin, aunt, and friend to many. She died peacefully in her home in Lindale, Texas, on March 12, 2025, at age 82, surrounded by her loving family who will miss her immensely.
Lanelle was born on September 1, 1942, in Rio Grande City, Texas, to Gay Harkness and Lamar Coble Moss. The family relocated several times before moving to Opelousas, Louisiana, in 1953. After graduation from high school in 1961, she accepted a piano scholarship to Baylor University. It was there that she met the true love of her life, Ronald Truett Stanley. They were married on April 20, 1962 in Opelousas, Louisiana. In 1970 they settled in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and raised four children; Jordan Gay, Jason Burl, Sally, and Justin Moss. It was at this time that Lanelle returned to school and graduated from East Texas State University with a Music Degree in piano performance.
Lanelle was a woman of great intellect, talent, and passion. Her faith in God was the foundation of her character. She began playing piano in church as a teenager, and shared her love of music, art, and literature with everyone, bringing much joy to those around her. Lanelle was also a talented seamstress, artist, avid birder, and diver. She will be remembered for her sharp and brilliant mind, discipline, focus, and organizational skills; she lived each day fully and had an authentic laugh that made you smile. Her greatest joy was being a homemaker and serving her husband and family. Her marriage of 62 years is a testimony to all, and her love for Ronnie was endless. Lanelle found great joy in her grandchildren, keeping current with all of their activities and accomplishments; she passed on many of her characteristics and passions to them. Lanelle’s absence here on earth will be felt by us all, yet we are secure in knowing she is with the Lord and those who have gone before her.
She is survived by her husband, Dr. Ronald Truett Stanley; her children Dr. Jordan Gay Stanley, Jason Burl Stanley, Sally Stanley Clemmons, and Justin Moss Stanley; twelve grandchildren, Joseph, Daniel, Lila, Catherine, Victoria, Hannah, Abby, Reagan, Stephen, Gabrielle, Jenna, and Micah; and seven great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her sisters Linda Thistlethwaite, of Opelousas, Louisiana, and Martha Chamness, of Lindale, Texas, along with several nieces and nephews.
Preceding Lanelle in death were her parents, and son Joe Truett Stanley.
