Lanita Jean Brewer's Obituary
Lanita left this life on Sunday, July 27 in her home at the age of 84 years old. Lanita Jean Mckay Brewer was born to Nathaniel and Ruth Ann McKay on August 30, 1940. She was the 7th of 13 children. The family lived in Turkey, Texas and they were active members of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church. She was the last of Nathaniel & Ruth Anns children to be born in Itasca, Texas. (Hill County) She graduated from high school in 1959 in Childress Texas. She married Robert Carlson Brewer on September 3, 1964. Lanita had two children, Darrell Anthony Smith and Sharon McKay. Lanita joined the family of faith at an early age and started serving faithfully. She was active in Sunday School, Bible School, Junior President of West Texas Baptist Association. Mt. Olive Baptist Church BTU Secretary, Junior Mission President, and affectionately known as one of Hill County Bible Scholars. In 1960 Lanita moved to Memphis and united with The New Mt Zion Baptist Church. She attended the new Mount Zion Baptist Church. Her greatest passion was serving the Lord throughout her life Her years at new Mount Zion. Some of Her Christian Leadership and dedication at New Mt Zion included Deaconess, Women’s Mission President, Sunday School Superintendent, She was an active prayer warrior in the community and a member of Memphis Sisters of Service. Past Eastern Star member and officer, and West Texas Progressive State Baptist Answering Clerk. She served as superintendent of Sunday school until she said it was her time for someone else. She was the mission president until her death.
She worked for Lust Cleaners for 19 years and the Memphis Convalescent Center for 21 years as food service supervisor. She retired at the age of 62.
Lanita is proceeded in death by her husband Robert Carlton and son Darrell Smith, and her parents Nathaniel and Ruth Ann McKay. As well as siblings siblings; Nathaniel McKay Jr., Carrie Ball, J. C. McKay, Mary Ella Sewell, Mildred Buckley, Johnny McKay, Elenor Cornish, Billy Ray McKay.
Cherishing Lanita’s sweet memory are Daughter Sharon Hearn (Hosea), 4 siblings; Virginia McKay Cornish, Wilma McFarland, David McKay, Joe McKay. Grandchildren: Ashley McKay, , Jené Smith, Carlton Hearn, and Great-Grandchildren Ma’Kalia Childs, Jniyah Hearn, Keanah Hearn, Datren Johnson, and Drayton Childs; and Great great-Grandchildren Kyrin Pinkard.
Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, August 8, 2025 at 11 AM at New Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Memphis with Rev. Thomas Perry, Rev. Daniel Downey, and Woodrow Richardson officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery in Memphis.
Viewing will be held at Robertson Funeral Directors in Memphis on Thursday, August 7th from 9 AM - 4 PM.
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