Estelle Lanier Obituary

Lanier, Estelle M. Nee McDougal, 84, wife of the late Frank J. Lanier; mother of the late Rochelle Lanier, passed away in her sleep the evening of Aug. 3, 2011 in Portland, OR. Preceded in death by her parents, Elmer Parker, Sr. and Estella Zimmerman and brother, jazz musician E. Parker McDougal (Mac), Estelle will be missed by many friends, students and colleagues throughout the Hyde Park Kenwood community and the Chicago metro area. Estelle received her B.A in Sociology & History from Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Mo., an M.A. in Social Science from the University of Illinois Urbana, and an M.S. in Counseling from Chicago State University. Her career started at Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, OH as a Sociology instructor; then to Cook County Dept of Public Aid as a Social Caseworker; Teacher at McKinley School and Phillips Upper Grade Center then a Counselor at Hilliard Adult Education Center, Vincennes Upper Grade Center and last at Dyett Middle School. She retired in 1988 and continued to enjoy leisure travel which began in 1973 with her close friend Ann Burnett, to Africa, China, Spain, Australia, Hawaii, Brazil, Scotland, the Artic Circle and many other destinations; there were monthly bridge sessions (Ideal Bridge Club), and social activities with her Delta Sigma Theta Sorority sisters. She is survived by granddaughters Elsa and Olivia (Livvy) Schuman-Lanier, her son Scott Lanier, along with cousins, Martha Butler & H. L. McDougal. To all family and friends thank you for your support and love over the many years. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. For info on the Memorial Service, please go to the Guestbook.