Promise Land Funeral Home | Albany, Georgia

Obituary For Derwin Lanier, Jr.

Public Visitation at Promise Land Funeral Home

1120 Gillionville Road

Albany, Georgia 31707

Friday, June 23rd, 2023

3:00 - 6:00pm EDT

Funeral Service at Seed Nation

Albany, Georgia 31701

Saturday, June 24th, 2023

12:00 - 1:00pm EDT

Memorial Service at SpringHill Suites by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Miramar

10880 Marks Way

Miramar, Florida 33025

Friday, June 30th, 2023

4:00 - 8:00pm EDT

Guest Book

Diane and the entire Lanier Family, Though your hearts are heavy, be comforted in knowing that Derwin is resting peacefully with his creator, The Almighty God. When we met, we soon realized that we shared similar experiences growing up attending Baptist convenings ranging from the Congress of Christian Education to our local respective Associations in the great state of Florida. As such, we would encourage each other like saints of old by virtually sharing coveted renditions of hymns that warmed our hearts. Over the years, I was able to curate a collection of hymns and ole time Gospel songs sent to me by Derwin. Songs like, "Father, I stretch my hands to Thee," "Pass Me Not Oh Gentle Savior," "You Must Be Born Again," "I am Thine Oh Lord," "He's a Battle Axe in the time of a battle," and "I Don't Feel No Ways Tired," to name a few. Similarly, we also chatted about powerful sermons we heard from a few of Florida's great preachers like the late Drs. Mack King Carter, Tom Diamond, G. W. Lee, and Arthur Jackson, Sr. I will miss this soldier (Derwin) and prayer warrior for sure; however, I know that he is rejoicing. Until we meet again... Kim Lee

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Mr. Lanier was a bright and shining light. His smile and welcoming spirit made everyone feel loved. He was your friend, confidante, caregiver or listening ear. He will be missed. Claudette Smith, Stillman College

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Praying for strength for you and family in the transition of your son and my nephew DJ,wishing that I could be there with you and family celebrating DJ home going but you all are in my prayers 🙏🙏🙏(Aunt Jessie)

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Derwin you will be missed. You were such a genuine and sweet person. Working with you at Albany Technical College was a pleasure. I will continue to pray for your family. I will always cherish the memories we had and never forget all the laughs we shared. I love you friend and continue to rest in peace. ~ Jessica Johnson

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With deepest symphathy to the Lanier Family From Sheila Washington

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My sympathies to the Lanier family. I am at a loss for words at the passing of Derwin....it has taken me some time to write this. We had many talks in his office at Albany Technical College as colleagues within the Student Affairs division. I would often tell him that his office was inviting and most importantly always smelled nice. After some time, I was no longer at the main campus but still would make frequent visits. If I did not stop by and see him, he would let me know his displeasure and that I better not do it again. That's the Derwin that I will always remember. Rest in peace my sweet Derwiiiin. Beth L. Davis

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From the moment I met Derwin, I knew he was a VERY genuine young man. We formed an immediate bond. He would visit my office in Human Resources, and we would talk and laugh and share fond family stories. He would often talk about his family in South Fl, and how his family would take road trips and the fun they had!! He was an old soul, with an AMAZING personality, and most of all, a BIG ❤️❣️❣️ I will miss Derwin Lanier and I pray for the Lanier family's strength during this transition!! Lola Edwards Albany Technical College Family

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To the Lanier Family, I would like to express my condolences to you. Mr. Lanier was one of my Financial Aid Advisors at Stillman College. He was a fun guy, never a dull moment and always tell you the truth even when you think he joking. He had so much energy, compassion and love for his students. One year, we decided for him to come to the dorms and talk with the students about their financial aid. He did. When you need him to do something or participate, if he can, he will. He has a loving heart and very kind spirit. I will greatly miss you Mr. Lanier! Rest In Heaven! Heaven has gained an Angel!!! Addie Tooson, Tuscaloosa, AL

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I am so shocked and saddened by this news 😢. I met Derwin in 1996 in 10th grade. He was 1 of my only 2 friends when I transferred to Miramar High school. We spent most of lunch breaks together in the library or in the courtyard talking about how immature everybody else was, lol. Throughout the years he has never changed, always kind with an old soul and great sense of humor. I will miss our weekly exchange of laughs, funny videos, and inspirational music. See u later my friend 🕊️❤️

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Dear Lanier Family and All fortunate and honored to have known and shared with DJ. My sincerest heartfelt sympathies. Lord, it just seems that DJ is gone, too soon. Let us be comforted in the positive, funny, and (yes) philosophical conversations, and the belief that one day DJ will be greeting us at the pearly gates with his beautiful personality and great smile. Matthew 5:4, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Peace and Love, Lisa De Jesus

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Dear Lanier Family, I pray the Lord provides the comfort and strength you need during this very difficult time. Lisa De Jesus

- Lisa De Jesus

Words cannot express how my heart feels right now. We were quiet friends at ATC. He was so respectful to me, he called me Ms. Grimsley and I called him Mr. Lanier (that was our greeting) but he was such a dear one to me. Many times I would came to his office on break and sit and chat about real-life stuff, spiritual and philosophical conversations, not gossip. For a young man he had an old man spirit. I pray for his family and loved ones and I know that God will comfort you in this time. Ecclesiastes says, "To every this there is a season", so mourn for now, for soon the memories of such a precious soul will bring joy again. God bless you all. Ms. Grimsley, Albany, GA

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we love you and see u at the pearly gate of heaven, Harwick,Sandra, Iola and Layla Brantley

- hardwick brantley

Derwin we love and will miss you, we are so sorry we didn't get to spend more time with you here on earth please meet us at the pearly gates of heaven we can makeup for lost time your cousin Hardwick, Sandra,Iola and Layla Brantley.

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Derwin had such a good heart and kind spirit. He kept us laughing at work and would do anything to assist me and the students. His presence and knowledge will be sorely missed on this Earth. I know he is enjoying seeing the family that passed before him in Heaven. My condolences to all the family missing him on Earth. Helen Catt

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To the Lanier's family I had the pleasure of meeting Nikki and Derwin as they came to Savannah State University.His personality was just wonderful he came to work with a smile everyday as he entered the building you could always smell him as soon as he turned the corner. I will truly miss him His Spirit was so good never met a person like him he always talked about his family and loved his Cadillac 😊 I'm so glad I had a chance to meet him. Love Always 💕 your friend Nancy@SSU

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There are so many precious memories that immediately come to mind. Upon interacting with him over the course of time at Albany Tech, I learned that he loved to smell nice- I always knew that he was in the room or had been in the room. Derwin loved nice cars, but Most of all, he LOVED his family. My heart is heavy. We joked at lot. We laughed a lot. I'm so sad that you are gone. I'm praying for his family and friends. Regina Watts. Jesus is a Comforter.

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To the Lanier Family, I would like to extend my condolences to you. Derwin was a great a funny spirit. He was the reason I got my first office job and loved every moment about it. He also helped me and many others while we were at Albany Tech receive and understand the process of financial aid and work study. It was a pleasure working with you and I have so many memories of being in your mom's hair salon and you walking through and joking. I'm truly going to miss you. Vanessa Hayward (Mrs. Hayward daughter)

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To the family of Derwin Lanier Jr, I would like to express condolences on behalf of the Financial Aid Department of Albany Technical College, ALbany, GA. I worked with Derwin in that department for several years and it was never a dull moment when he was around! Lord, I will miss my friend! Rest In Peace ☮️ RIP Derwin 🕊🕊🕊! ...Mary E. Coleman-Harris (MECH is what he called me 😀), ALbany, GA

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Promise Land Funeral Home | Albany, Georgia