Mary Lois Fanning

Mary Lois Fanning, a beacon of love and kindness, passed peacefully on July 7, 2026, at the Lakewood House Assisted Living, LLC/Hospice Care. Lois, as she was affectionately known, was a woman of strength, grace, and unwavering devotion to her family and community. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Joe W. Fanning, with whom she shared a loving marriage of 70 years starting from March 30, 1946. Together, they built a family grounded in love and respect. She was also predeceased by her daughter and son-in-law, Glenda Joyce Casey and James Lee Casey, daughter Janice Sue Fanning, her grandson Cory Dwayne Brown, her parents, and several sisters and brothers. She is survived by her daughter Rena J. Honea and husband Bo, her daughter Paula Brown Nichols, and her cherished grandchildren Alaina Honea, Joel Honea, and Chance Weick. Lois's legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, Grayson Honea (Brea) and Elijah Brown, and her great-great-grandson, Ford Honea. Her family circle is completed by sisters Peggy Leverett (Sid), Sue Jones (Sonny), and brother Kenneth Campbell (Geraldine) who survive her. A proud graduate of Riverton High School in Riverton, Alabama, Lois made her mark not just as a homemaker but as a diligent worker in various roles. She lovingly cared for children, providing a nurturing environment for many young ones in her community while their parents worked. Her enterprising spirit led her to fold postage stamps for a vending machine company and sell Dutchmaid clothing. Her favorite role, however, was as a Mary Kay Consultant, a position she held for 40 rewarding years. Lois was a devoted member of Grace Temple Baptist Church in Oak Cliff since 1948, where her faith shone brightly through her many acts of service. She rocked countless babies in the church nursery for 35 years, a ministry closest to her heart. Her contributions were manifold, from serving as WMU president to singing in the choir, volunteering with the Youth, and assisting on the Baptism Team. She was also an active participant in the Red Hat Society and the Oak Cliff Business Women's Association. Her hobbies reflected her vibrant spirit and included glass and rock painting, beginner piano lessons, and gardening—a testament to her appreciation for beauty and growth. Lois was known for her loving and caring spirit, always an encourager with a fun-loving nature. She was a true mother to all the neighborhood children, cooking and delivering meals to those who were sick or bereaved, and she remained true to her values, consistent, thoughtful, loyal, and devoted. She was the strongest prayer warrior and prayer partner to everyone. Heard for many years, "she had a direct connection to our Lord!" A celebration of Lois's life will be held on July 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the Laurel Land Funeral Home Chapel, located at 6300 S. R. L. Thornton Fwy., Dallas, Texas, 75232. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jim and Glenda Casey Scholarship/TCDA by calling (512) 474-2801, honoring the educational legacy that was important to Lois's family. The family extends deep gratitude to the doctors and staff at Methodist Mansfield Hospital, ClearSky Rehabilitation Hospital in Waxahachie, and the Knuckles Family—Yonah, Annie, and Amanda—at the Lakewood House Assisted Living, LLC/Hospice Care for their diligent loving care of Lois. Special thanks also go to Ms. Peggy Ivy, Ms. Jaden Martinez, Ms. Alaina Honea, and Dr. David Levine, her cherished cardiologist, who fondly called her his "Pink Lady." Mary Lois Fanning's life was a tapestry of love, service, and joy, and her memory will forever be cherished by all who were blessed to know her.