Charlene Elaine Dickens Lanier

GARNER - After a five year battle with breast cancer, Charlene Elaine Dickens Lanier, age 62, peacefully passed away on October 20 with her husband and stepdaughter by her side. Charlene was born November 26,1957 in Wake County. She attended Harnett County Public Schools and graduated with a diploma. She worked for Eaton Corporation, formally Exide Electronics, for over 35 years. Many of her friendships were formed there; most notably, this is where she met her long time love Otis Lanier. After spending 37 years together, they were officially married on October 8, 2020. Charlene’s co-workers noted her as unselfish, caring, and agreed that no one had the knowledge and passion for her job like she did. She was a true green thumb and enjoyed working in the garden and decorating the interior and exterior of her home to match each season. She reveled in shopping for her granddaughter Vivienne and could spend hours walking the aisles of the grocery store or dollar store. Charlene adored her beloved fur baby Chyna and would often spend time playing with her in the backyard. She is preceded in death by her mother, Laura Campbell Dickens, and her father, Charles Dickens. Charlene is survived by her husband Otis, stepdaughter Oshana (Duane), granddaughter Vivienne, mother-in-law Ida Gilliard, sister-in-laws Angela Goode (Tony), Beverly Gilbert (Tracy), brother-in-law Ronald Gilliard, aunt Recie Farmer, cousins Betty Brown, Glen Farmer, Carson Farmer, Byron Brown and host of friends and former coworkers.