Michelle J. Lanier

She was Jesus's Baby Girl. She was a great intercessor. She was a comedian. She would light up a room. Michelle Joann Lanier, 63, of Baltimore, Maryland left this earth peacefully on September 14, 2024

She was born in Baltimore to James Gaskins and Virginia Harcum. Michelle attended Carver High School and graduated in 1978 as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She later obtained her Associate's Degree in Registered Health Information Technology from Baltimore City Community College and her Bachelors Degree in Health Information Administration from the university of Cincinnati. She worked for Medstar Union Memorial Hospital in the Coding Department where she eventually retired.

Michelle was a devoted mother to her only child, Anthony Gaskins and a devoted wife to her husband, Michael Lanier, whom she married in 1988. She was a loving and supportive mother, always putting her family first.

Elder Michelle was an active member of Haven of Rest Sanctuary of Praise, devoting her time and energy to teaching Bible Study, praying and encouraging everyone she encountered. Though she loved teaching the word of God, being an intercessor and keeping up with Cardi B, Michelle's favorite role was being a grandparent. Michelle treasured her time with her grandkids, and loved being their Granny. She never failed to send them a Cashapp for their accomplishments or a random Uber Eats order.

Michelle was preceded in death by her mother, Virginia Woods; father James Gaskins; brothers Michael and James Gaskins; and sister Helen Harris. She is survived by her husband, Michael Lanier; her son, Anthony Gaskins; daughter-in-law, Mekia Gaskins; her grandchildren Naije, Kennedie and Jordyn; her sisters, Claudette Graves, Janice Gray, Vanessa Martin, Carole Gaskins; her brothers Keith Gaskins and Maurice Wood Jr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.