NATCHEZ — Services for Anna Rose Metcalfe Lanneau, 79, of Natchez, who died Friday, July 10, 2009 at her home, will be 11 a.m. Monday at First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Dr. John Larson officiating.
A graveside service will follow at Natchez City Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.
Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday at Laird’s Funeral Home and from 10 a.m. until time of service Monday at the church.
Mrs. Lanneau was born Nov. 2, 1929, in Natchez, the daughter of Orrick and Anna Rose Metcalfe.
She graduated from Randolph Macon College in 1951 and served as queen of the Natchez Pilgrimage with her future husband, Bazile R. Lanneau, as king in 1948.
She was a life long member of First Presbyterian Church, serving as president of the Presbyterian Women and on various committees including the flower committee. Mrs. Lanneau took a special interest in the Stew Pot, serving on the board as a representative of First Presbyterian.
Mrs. Lanneau was a member of the Junior Auxiliary, served on the board of Mississippi Archives and History and was a member of the Natchez Garden Club where she served on the board and many committees. She was especially devoted to the maintenance and furnishings of the House on Ellicott Hill for which she received a Lifetime Achievement award from the Preservation Society of Ellicott Hill.
In 1964 Mrs. Lanneau and her husband, Bazile, restored his family’s home, Fair Oaks, where she resided until her death. Fair Oaks was featured in the Natchez Spring Pilgrimage for forty-three years. She took a special interest in the grounds which were admired by tourists and locals as well. Many of the plants came from family and friends and other antebellum homes in Natchez. She was gracious and hospitable and the epitome of a southern lady in an understated manner.
She was preceded in death by one daughter, Rose Metcalfe Lanneau and one brother, Dr. Orrick Metcalfe.
Survivors include her husband of 58 years, Bazile R. Lanneau; two sons, Bazile R. Lanneau, Jr. and wife Jeanie of Natchez, Martin M. Lanneau and wife Joany of Baton Rouge; one daughter, Renée Lanneau of Natchez; four grandchildren, Rose Farmer and husband Chad, Sarah Lanneau and husband Generoso Garza of Mandeville, Louisiana, Bazile R. Lanneau, III of Austin, Texas, and Martin M. Lanneau, Jr. of Baton Rouge; one great-grandson, Andrés Generoso Garza; one brother, Albert W. Metcalfe, and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 400 State St., Natchez, or to the local charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be made to www.lairdfh.com.