Mary Anne Laningham, 91, of Pinehurst NC passed away July 15, 2018.
She was born 19 minutes after her twin brother, James Elliott Thomas, in Pennington Gap, VA to the late James Elliott and Anne Wynn Laningham on January 16, 1927.
A life-long advocate for education, Mary Anne graduated from Radford College with a B.S. degree in secondary education in Home Economics. Later, she studied accounting and economics at Catawba College and Applied Science & Electronic Data Processing from Rowan Technical Institute. Mary Anne taught Home Economics and business in high schools and colleges in Virginia and North Carolina. She served on the Board of Trustees of Pfeiffer College, and she established an endowed scholarship at Catawba College to enable other learners.
In 1956 Mary Anne moved to Salisbury where she co-owned and operated Radio Station WSTP/WRDX. She was a pioneer who introduced computer technology to the station, helping the station adapt new capabilities.
A tireless woman, Mary Anne was an active member of several community organizations in Salisbury. She held leadership roles at the First United Methodist Church of Salisbury, the Elizabeth Maxwell Steele Chapter of the DAR, the NC Division of the Magna Charter Dames and Barons, the American Association of University Women, and Church Women United.
Mary Anne also loved the adventure of travel. She traveled to six continents-several many times-to explore new cultures, take photos, and meet people. She was a member of the American Volkssport Association in which she completed 10km walks in all 50 US states and several other countries.
Mary Anne was preceded in death by her parents, brother John Wynn Laningham and his wife, Betty (Rosenbaum) Laningham, and brother Bill B. Laningham, and Mary Anne is survived by her twin, James E.T., and his wife, Louise (Cress) Laningham; sister-in-law Martha Ann Laningham; 2 nieces and several nephews.
Mary Anne had a full life, always loyal and generous to her family and friends. She has inspired many of us to pursue our dreams.
Memorial donations may be made to The Mary Anne Laningham Endowed Scholarship at Catawba College.
Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.
To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Mary Laningham, please visit Boles’ Tribute Store.
Online condolences: BolesFuneralHome.com.
Ms. Laningham’s family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers at Sandhills Sentinel.
