Violet Lanning

Violet Velta Lanning - age 91, died Wednesday, May 3, 2023 surrounded by her family in Fenton, Michigan. Services are at Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 Silver Lake Road, Fenton, Michigan with Pastor Lindsey Carnes Officiating. Visitation is Tuesday, May 9, 2023 from 4-6 PM. Funeral services are immediately following at 6 PM. Interment will be at the Great Lakes National Veterans Cemetery Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 12:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions in Violet’s name to the Fenton VFW.

She was born May 19, 1931 to Edward (Vernie) and Pearl (Knerr) Robinson. Raised in Flint, Michigan. She learned to work behind the candy counter selling candy to local children at the business her father built, Beecher Beer & Wine on Saginaw Street. She grew up in their home next to the family store with her two younger siblings Dewaine and William (Bill) Robinson.Violet Graduated from Beecher High School June 5, 1949 where she excelled in music, choir, and drama performing in many plays and concerts. Also a football cheerleader, she was very athletic. As a young girl she learned how to ice skate at Flint Park, which she continued to do through school and into later life. At 15-years-old she rode the city bus from her home to downtown Flint to work at SS Kresge (K-Mart) with her mother and her Aunt. She worked for .50 cents an hour and could earn $3 on Saturdays. After graduation she went to school and worked at GMI, now Kettering University, where she became a Comptroller responsible for balancing numbers and figures. During this time she met and fell in love-at-first-sight with Clifford J Lanning. They married June 6, 1953 at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Flint. A caregiver to her entire family, she went back to college to get her Registered Nurse Degree and retired after 15 years from FOH Flint Osteopathic Hospital. During that time she also became certified in Therapeutic Touch and Reike which she continued to practice with family, friends and pets. A very creative and spiritual woman, she learned to oil paint for therapy after breaking both arms in an accident. Her paintings include flowers, nature, animals and portraits. Her ability to play music was admired and enjoyed by all, playing the piano, keyboards, Dulcimer, and Guitar for friends, family and at parties. She had a beautiful voice and loved to dance, especially dancing the Polka with her dad Vernie. An avid traveler, she traveled to Israel, Europe and throughout the United States with her children. A highlight for many years was going to the family cabin in Mesick where she hunted and cooked Morel mushrooms, tended her plant garden, danced at the local bar, and visited good friends Sandy and Charlie Heit. Her love of life was known by all as she was also an avid bowler on several bowling leagues, attended church regularly and was a volunteer at the Fenton VFW hosting BINGO at local senior centers. She lives now with our heavenly father and watches and waits for us to be with her again.

Preceding mom in death, is loving husband Clifford Lanning, August 12, 2012, loving and dear friend Edward Zablotney; brother Dewaine V Robinson; Sister-in-law Jana (Chapman) Robinson; Daughter-in laws Lucille (Lewis) Lanning, Deborah (Wyant) Lanning, and Kathy (Henry) Lanning; cherished grandson William Cody Black. Violet leaves to cherish her memory; loving brother William and wife Linda of Mesick; daughter Lori and husband Harry Arthur of Muskegon; son Randall (Randy); son Mark; daughter Julie and husband Mark Grams; daughter Deborah (Debbie) and husband Randy Black; son Michael and Wife Gina (Cole) of Darlington, Pennsylvania; 16 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandson due July 5th; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends at the Fenton VFW. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.