Lena “LaNell” Haire was 91 years, 2 months and 2 days. She went home to be with her Heavenly Father on Friday, June 23, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Lena (Lander) Baker; stepmother, Linnie Rigsby Baker; brothers, Donald, James and Vernon Baker; sisters, Mozelle Culbert, Fannie Farris, Ollie Swanner, and Betty Blackwell; husband, Carl Blake; and grandson, Joshua Blake Longley.

She is survived by her brother, Jessie Baker and wife, Jean of Madisonville, Texas; sister Elizabeth Batson and husband, Jim of College Station, Texas; daughters, Carla Wimberley of Madisonville, Texas and Tammy Longley of Middleburg, Florida; grandsons, Tommy Longley and wife, Brandi of Jacksonville, Florida and Justin Longley of Jacksonville, Florida; great-grandchildren, Ashlyn, Kaidyn, Joshua Blake Jr., Gavyn, Aubree, Kassidee and Leah Longley of Jacksonville, Florida.

Lena LaNell Haire was born in Madisonville, Texas. She lived most of her life in Houston, Texas. In 1990, she and Carl moved back to her hometown and built their house where she lived until death.

As we collectively mourn the loss of LaNell we also celebrate the life she lived and the lasting impact she made on so many. LaNell became a Christian at a young age and faithfully served the Lord throughout her life.

Having a servant’s heart, she faithfully attended and served at Bedias Baptist Church for over twenty-six years. LaNell served as the secretary for the Park Cemetery Association for twenty years and also served in the Eastern Star.

LaNell was one of twelve children and loved her extended family. She loved planning family reunions. She was a fierce defender of her children and grandchildren. She loved to cook and take care of her family, as well as working in her yard and growing flowers. She and Carl traveled a lot throughout the United States but she always loved coming home.

LaNell lived her life counting on eternity with her Savior. She looked forward to reuniting with her family members in Heaven and never wavered in her faith. Her greatest desire was for everyone to have a personal relationship with her Lord and Savior and join her in Heaven one day. A funeral service for Lena LaNell Haire will be held at Bedias Baptist Church on Friday, June 30, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. Brother Nathan Hoke will officiate the service. A graveside service will immediately follow in Park Cemetery, Madisonville, Texas. The visitation will be Thursday evening, June 29, 2023 from 6-7 P.M. at Madisonville Funeral Home.

Arrangements are under the direction of Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas.