Mrs. Lanham
Genevieve Jeanette Lanham was born in the fall of 1939 and was the second child born to Thelma Key (Fread) and Gray A. Burton.
Jeanette graduated from Victoria High School. Her older sister, Betty Jane, enabled her to attend Southwestern Business School in Houston, where she graduated from the secretarial program at the top of her class earning the position of executive secretary for the CEO of Alcoa.
During that time, she met Harrison M. “Mack” Lanham and a 41-year love affair began. Mack and Jeanette were married Nov. 21, 1959, after dating for only three months. Together, they raised four children, Teresa, Holly, Mark and Joy.
Jeanette loved Christ, her family and everyone she met. She cared deeply for those around her and lived a servant life through the La Mesa Church of Christ, Central Church of Christ (Cameron) and finally Leap of Faith Church in Sherman.
Her passion for children was evident by serving as the volunteer director for a Bible-based preschool and Vacation Bible School, and taught Sunday School through the Church of Christ for more that 40 years.
Ever y summer, her grandkids would come and stay with her and she enjoyed taking them on grand adventures all over Texas.
In her later years, she continued her service to young people by providing financial support to St. Jude’s Hospital, Shriners Children’s Hospital, USNSCC, Wounded Warriors, Visions of Sugar Plums and Convoy of Hope.
She passed away peacefully in her sleep the morning of April 18, 2026.
Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of 41 years, Harrison Macka Lanham; her sisters, Betty Jane and Sandra; her son, Mark Wade Lanham; and a granddaughter, Sierra Seratt.
She is survived by her daughters, Teresa Gay Lanham, Holly Janel Irwin (Randy), Joy Dawn Lanham (Theresa); her grandchildren, Kandis Neumeier (Chad), Donna Jeanette Bull, Brian Lanham (Leona), and CJ Lanham; six great-grandchildren and many dear nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at Leap of Faith Church, 5615 FM 1417 in Sherman on May 2, at 12-noon with lunch to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Leap of Faith Church or St. Jude’s Hospital.