Life University Staff Council Newsletter Volume 5 Issue 2 | Page 6

Remembering Darlene Lanter

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of one of our own.
Darlene Lanter, who had worked at Life University a total of 19 ½ years,
passed away peacefully on Monday, April 21. Darlene loved working at Life
University and touched the lives of so many students, faculty and staff over the
years working in Communications and Physical Plant. She had a tremendous
love and spirit that truly exemplified Lasting Purpose - an ideal we hold so
dear at Life University.
Darlene was also a huge animal lover, volunteering and donating to animal
shelters and humane societies around the metro area. Friends have requested
that in lieu of flowers, you can make a donation in Darlene’s name to your local
animal shelter.
No services are planned, in accordance with Darlene’s wishes. Friends are
planning a dedication on the Life University campus in her honor. Look for
more information about that coming soon in LIFE News. We ask that you send
good thoughts and prayers for Darlene and remember the love she exuded on
a daily basis.

Memories of Darlene

from a Dear Friend

Many of the LIFE community may remember Bobbie Combee who also worked at LIFE alongside our recently lost friend,
Darlene. She graciously shared some of her memories and would like to share them with you.
Bobbie met Darlene in 1988 when she came to work at LIFE. Remembering first meeting her friend, Bobbie stated, “I
always felt she was very easy to get to know, and we enjoyed many conversations regarding our parents who had just
moved to Marietta from Florida. Darlene was devoted to her parents, loved pets, swimming, sunbathing, camping and
the Atlanta Braves!” Bobbie went on to say, of their time together at LIFE, “As years passed, seventeen of them for me,
Darlene became one of my best friends. My children grew to love her, [and] I loved Darlene like a sister. I will always
hold her in my heart and remember all the great time and fun we had.” Bobbie also shared how special her friendship
with Darlene will always make one major holiday very special: “Darlene’s birthday was on the Fourth of July, and her
celebrations included a cookout with colorful red, white and blue decorations.”
Darlene fought a long battle against illness and the challenges that go along with it. By the time of her illness, her
immediate family had preceded her in passing, but she had a wonderful network of dedicated, loving friends.
The day that Darlene passed would have been her mother’s 84th birthday. Darlene maintained her upbeat
attitude and good spirits through it all. Even when it was easy to see that her illness had taken a
toll, she kept her smile and insisted to everyone that she was okay, always putting up a brave
front. She attended a regular luncheon referred to as the “Lunch Bunch” made up of former
and current LIFE staff and maintained her close connections with many former co-workers who
became more than life-long friends; they became her family. She will be missed
very much by many.
Darlene’s wish was that her ashes be scattered in Key West, Fl., along with her
mother’s, and that final wish will be granted by those attending to her final
affairs. Rest in peace, our dear friend.

6