Lanette (Haar) Reid

Vidalia

Lanette Haar Reid passed away July 12, 2019, in Savannah with her loving family at her side.  Her demise brings to an end a life built on her love of God and her dedication to service that benefited her family and her community.

Born April 12, 1927, in Savannah to Leslye B. and Ernest J. Haar, she graduated from Savannah High School and spent two years attending Monticello Junior College in Illinois, graduating from junior college in 1946.  Her junior year of college was spent at the University of Missouri.  Learning that her father planned to attend the 25th reunion of his law class at the University of Georgia in 1948, Lanette chose to spend her senior year at the University of Georgia, graduating when her father attended his special class reunion.  It was at the University of Georgia that she met her future husband, Robert Hugh Reid of Clayton, Alabama.  They were married in July 1948, and eventually moved to Vidalia, where they raised their family.  They maintained the Reid family farm in Clayton, Alabama.

Lanette was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Church in Savannah.  In 1954 on the Wednesday before Christmas, she organized a Christmas communion for Episcopalians in the Vidalia area, and twenty or so attended the service, which was conducted by St. John’s Church Associate Priest, the Rev. Nat Reid.  From this beginning, with the help of God, the guidance of the Rt. Rev. Stuart and the regular bi-monthly visits of the Rev. Peter Fleming, the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation grew.  Lanette’s husband Hugh served as the first Junior Warden of the Mission Council.  Years later Lanette served as Junior Warden of the Mission and was serving in this capacity when Annunciation became a parish, so she served as the first Junior Warden of the Vestry.  Both of her children were confirmed at Annunciation, and her grandson was baptized at Annunciation.  Lanette served on the first Board of Directors as Recording Secretary for the Episcopal Camp and Conference Center at Honey Creek.

Lanette was named Vidalia’s 1982 Lady of the Year for her outstanding service in the community.  She served as Past President of the Pine Ridge Garden Club, Vidalia Woman’s Club, Vidalia High School PTA; and, as Past Regent, Vidalia DAR Chapter. She was recognized with Awards from the Georgia Heart Association for her work on local and state levels.

She is an Honorary State Regent of the Georgia State Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, and from 1983-1986 she served as National Parliamentarian for the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.  She was very active with DAR on the local, state and national levels.

Lanette served from 1984-1987 on the Historic Resources Advisory Committee, which covered eight counties, and served as Chairman of the committee from 1986-1987.  She served as one of twelve members on the Georgia National Register Review Board from 1987-1990.

Wherever Lanette saw a need, positive action took place and things got done.  She was elegant, charming, smart and a true southern lady.  She was an inspiration to all.    Some friends, who regularly sought her advice, referred to her as “the font of all knowledge.”  Her doctors always described her as “amazing.”  Lanette’s character is exemplified in this quote from Milton:  “Grace was in all her steps, Heaven in her eye, in every gesture dignity and love.”  

Lanette is predeceased by husband Robert Hugh Reid, parents Leslye Baker and Ernest John Haar, sister Marilyn Haar Ramsey. She is survived by daughter Laura Marcella Reid, Savannah, GA; son James Marcus Reid (Janice), Vidalia, GA; and grandson Clayton Hugh Reid, Vidalia, GA;  and extended family: granddaughter Heather Freeland Phillips and son Jarrett Meeks, Ft. Lauderdale, FL;  and granddaughter Kari Freeland Pieniazek (Brian), Atlanta, GA.    

A service in celebration of her life will be held at Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, Vidalia, July 15 at 11:00 a.m.;  funeral service, St. John’s Church, Savannah, July 17 at 2:00 p.m.;  interment, Clayton Cemetery, Clayton, AL, July 19 at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to:  Church of the Annunciation, P.O. Box 1311, Vidalia, GA 30475;  St. John’s Church, One West Macon Street, Savannah, GA 31401;  Clayton Preservation Authority for restoration of Grace Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 385, Clayton, AL 36016;  Clayton Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 5, Clayton, AL 36016;   NSDAR President’s General Project or the Guardian Trust Fund, 1776 D Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20006-5303;  Hospice Savannah Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416.

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