Lanie Shannon Watts

Memorial Service for Lanie Shannon Watts, 18, of Little River-Academy will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 24, 2012, at Ocker Brethren Church, with Rev. Ron Winsman officiating. Family will receive friends at Scanio-Harper on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Private Burial will follow at a later date. Lanie was unexpectedly called "Home" on Sunday, May 20, 2012. Lanie Shannon Watts was born in Temple on November 10, 1993. At the time of her death, she was attending Academy High School and was to graduate with honors as well as being in the top 10% of her class. Lanie participated in multiple activities. She was a member of the school's NHS program. Some of her outstanding achievements from school were: being an outstanding English senior, having made the AB Honor Roll her first semester, she was awarded the UIL Scholar Award and participated in UIL- OAP All-Star Crew - District 2012 and UIL-OAP All Star Cast - Zone 2011. She participated in UIL Mathematics as well. Lanie was the founding member of the Thespian Society Troupe 7500 and was an Honor Thespian. She was the 2009-2011 Thespian Society Publicity Chair and was the 2011-2012 Thespian Society President. She was a Tom's One Day w/o shoes participant from 2009-2012. Lanie was a Pageant host for Mr. Bee-Utimus Pageant from 2009-2012. Also she was a Delegate from 2009-20123 for the Texas Thespian Convention. She was awarded in 2010 the Art | Award and was the Jr. Theater Camp workshop teacher in 2011. Lanie was awarded many scholarships. These scholarships include the Delta Kappa Gamma Scholarship in 2012, the Rosalind Jones Memorial Scholarship in 2012, and the Band Booster Scholarship in 2012. Lanie received the Outstanding Student Award in Personal and Family Development in 2009. She was a member of Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America. She also helped with the Senior Citizens' luncheons from 2009- 2010. Lanie too participated in many different theatrical performances. These performances are: That's what they said - Improv cast, Through the Storybook - Drizella, Murder @ Rutherford House - Costume Mistress, Elementary Bullying Skit - Unicorn, Cinderella and the Substitute Fairy Godmother - Lucretia Fossilwart. In 2010 "Elektra" - Lanie played Chrysothemis, 2011 "Five Kinds of Silence" she played Janet - All Star Cast, and in 2012 "A Thousand Cranes" Lanie was the Stage Manager. Lanie was also an accomplished power lifter and qualifying for Regionals as a Sophomore and as a Senior received 3rd place Regional Qualifier and State Alternate. Lanie was awarded the Emily Sultenfuss Memorial Powerlifting Award in 2012. She was also flag captain and section leader for Academy Band from 2010-2012. Lanie was a faithful member and dedicated to her Church. She shared her love and smile all throughout the Church. Many children and youth looked up to her as a mentor. She served as a nursery attendant, a children's worship aide, Sunday School substitute, Vacation Bible School leader, Christmas Day Camp leader, Children's Music helper, as the Local Vice President of BYF, Hus School Encampment as a camper and as a Counselor-in-Training, and on the State Youth Leadership Team as a Retreat Coordinator. In Church, she served as usher and greeter, a prayer warrior, scripture reader, singer, musician, dancer, and drama team leader. Lanie helped the needy through donations and service to CTLC, baked cookies for Hospice and Ronald McDonald House, with organizing drives for clothing and blankets in winter and for school supplies, and helped with painting and establishing a Church in Cade Lake Community on a mission trip. Lanie was an integral part of the Ocker Brethren Youth Fellowship and was a Christian Leader. Lanie is survived by her mother, Cynthia Watts; sisters, Mandi Watts, Lynsie Hale and Devon Watts; brother, Anthony Martinez; father, Charles Watts; grandparents, J.W. and Kathy Harrison; aunts, uncles and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Lanie also leaves behind her loving boyfriend, Brannon Thompson. Lanie was as proud of her family and all of her many friends as they were of her. The family is grateful to everyone for their assistance and help during this time. Honorary Pallbearers are: Josh Champ, Megan Pechal, Kassie Benner, Cody Sultenfuss, Leanne Milne, Desi Young, Kishen Mandalay and Tyler Wright. Memorial contributions may be made to Ocker Brethren Church, 17454 State Hwy 53, Temple, TX 76501 or Odyssey Hospice, 2626 S 37th St, Temple, TX 76504. A bank account has been set up as "Lanie Watts Memorial Fund" at First State Bank Central Texas for memorial contributions to help with funeral expenses. Please sign the online register at www.scanioharperfunrelhome.com