Lamara Elris (Dale) Ladner

Lamara Dale Ladner, 72, gained her angel wings Friday, June 25th at her home in Lumberton. Lamara was the baby girl of four children, born August 10, 1948 in Smithtown to Lamar and Sylvenia (Ladner) Dale. She grew up in Smithtown on a small family farm and was by every account a true South MS country girl. A jovial and outgoing young lady, working outside in the garden and around livestock was normal, everyday life for her. There was probably a basketball goal in the yard where she played often with her siblings and friends, but Lamara stood out. The more they played, the better she got. When she attended Stone County Schools, Lamara joined the basketball team, earning All Conference honors in 1966. She was offered a scholarship to play at Gulf Coast when she graduated, but opted to settle down and start her family instead. She made her home in Lumberton early on and worked at Movie Star like so many other young ladies during that time. A couple years later, Lamara moved to Natchez and joined the police department, working as an officer for several years. While there, she gained the nickname "Peggy Sue", which most everyone in the Natchez area referred to her as. She ventured even further North, living in Minnesota for a couple of years, before returning to Smithtown in the mid 90's to take care of her mother. Many will know her from Brezeale Cleaners in Wiggins, where she worked the counter, greeting everyone with a smile and wishing all a "God bless you!" as you left. Lamara had a deep love for the Lord, which was more than evident in the thankful life she lived. She was a member and attended Red Hill Baptist Church for many years. Lamara is remembered with a smile because that's who she was, with those closest to her calling her "Maw". Possessing a wonderful sense of humor, she enjoyed a good prank as much as anyone else. And if Maw could catch you off guard or even scare you a little, well that just made her day. Lamara was always smiling and simply loved to laugh, but it was never at your expense. A "tell it like it is" woman, she didn't hold a thing back. If you didn't truly want to know what she thought about something, you might not want to ask Maw. She loved her family, kids and grandchildren , especially her great-grandson and best friend over the past few years, "J.J.". Maw helped him catch every bug and spider that could be found around the house and yard, most of which are still in jars and containers today. They left no stone unturned in their almost daily quest, which brought them both much joy and happiness. Maw loved everyone and for that she will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by all whose life she touched. She was preceded by her parents, Lamar and Sylvenia Dale; her sister Betty Lou Dedeaux and her brother, Lamar Dale, Jr. Left to carry on the laughter is her only daughter, Rochelle Ladner Wright of Lumberton, and her remaining sister, Ladonis (Sammy) Goode of Wiggins. Maw leaves a legacy of five grandchildren: Chris Wright (Ashley Thompson), Joshua Wright (Sascha Lypka), Ashley (Garon) Seal, Scott (Morghan) Ladner and Derek (Melissa) Ladner, with seventeen great-grands: Tyler & Gavin Armstrong, Kenzie, Kaiden & Kylee Wright, Caitlyn Ladner, Nathan Minteer, Natalie Seal, Brayden, Dalylah & Brendan Ladner, Phoenix & Kinsley Boone, Taylor Lypka and J.J., Bella & Hudson "Bocephus" Wright, along with numerous extended family, friends, neighbors and customers she served through the years. Lamara's final wishes were to be cremated, which her family is honoring. A celebration of her life will be held Tuesday afternoon at 4:00 PM, at her home on Ed Ladner Road in Lumberton. All who knew and loved her are welcome to come reminisce and share laughs with the family. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Ladner family in their time of need, asking everyone to keep them lifted up in your prayers over the coming days.