Etta Kate Lanier Maynor passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 21, 2022, at the age of 97, at her daughter's home in Oceanside, CA. She was the second daughter of the late Jeremiah Mathedrial Lanier and Etta Pearl Lacy. She was born November 24th, 1924, in Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama. Due to Etta's mother's early death, she was reared by her maternal grandmother Kate Joiner Lacy, grandfather Wyatt Lacy, and stepmother Mary Donegan Lanier.

She attended public school in Huntsville, graduated from Council High School, and completed two years at Alabama A&M University.

Etta left Huntsville in 1943 and moved to Washington, DC, with her sister Charlesetta. She worked as a secretary at the Pentagon until World War ll was over. She remained in D.C. for a couple of years, then moved to New York City with a cousin (Clenthel Joiner). She was employed at the Nabisco Biscuit Company for several years, took time off to raise her children, and retired from Merrill Lynch Brokerage firm after 25 years of service.

In 1947 she married Walter A. Maynor Jr., and this union lasted 62 years until he died in 2009. They have two children, Eldwin Vincent and Karen Vanessa. Etta was a devoted wife and mother.

While growing up, Etta attended Lakeside Methodist Church in Huntsville. After moving to New York, she joined Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem and attended St. Mark's Church in Harlem. She and Walter converted to Catholicism in the 1950s. They were devout Catholics and parishioners of Saint Joseph's of the Holy Family Church in Harlem for over 60 years.

Etta was a very strong-willed woman, but she had a great sense of humor and a very kind and generous heart. She always put her family first. She talked with her sisters regularly. She ensured that Eldwin and Karen stayed safe during the turbulent years growing up in Harlem in the 60s and 70s and that they received first-rate educations. She was always available to care for and babysit her grandchildren, Robin, Brian & Kenny. She and Walter made yearly trips to visit their daughter and grandchildren in California.

Etta loved to entertain - her door was always open, and she invariably had something for her family and friends to eat and drink whenever they stopped by. Her friends Mary, Peggy, Virginia, Dot, and Gladys came by every Saturday or Sunday afternoon to visit for hours, talking, laughing, and sharing snacks, beer, and a favorite glass of wine. She enjoyed the holidays and always celebrated Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving by cooking a feast.

Etta not only enjoyed her friends; she was a second mom to many of Eldwin's and Karen's friends and classmates. She is the last of our neighborhood moms to pass on!

Etta was the Recording Secretary for the tenant's association in her apartment building and the 26th Precinct Police Community Board.

For the past ten years, Etta lived in California with her daughter Karen, who tirelessly and lovingly cared for her with the assistance of several devoted caregivers, who quickly grew to love and treat her like she was a part of their own family. They celebrated birthdays and holidays together and shared lots of laughter, meals, and gifts. Eldwin's visits to see his mother allowed Karen to go on well-deserved vacations.

She loved gardening and planting flowers in the courtyard of her building and in Karen's backyard every spring and summer, enjoyed walking and listening to jazz.

Etta is preceded in death by her loving husband Walter, her sister Charlesetta Christian, and brothers Maceo and Lavert Lanier. She leaves to cherish fond memories: her son Eldwin V. Maynor (Gail), Roswell, GA and her daughter Karen V. Maynor Oceanside, CA.; sisters Hodie L. McCraw, Huntsville, AL. and Elaine Burks, Cleveland, OH. Grandchildren Robin Gumarang (Jacob), Oceanside, CA.; Kenyatta Mitchell, San Diego, CA.; and Dr. Brian L. Maynor, Rocky Mount, NC. Five great-grandchildren, Kerina and Makayla Mitchell, Chula Vista, CA., Elijah and Christian Gumarang, Oceanside, CA.; Ava Marie Gynell Maynor, Nashville, TN., and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.