The area John J. Lanning chose for his burying place apparently was not the choice of but a few of the family. There are only nine graves on the mountain top, and the plot seems to have been abandoned after Miranda was buried there around 1929. The area is isolated and difficult to get to, and this may have been the reason it was rejected in favor of the church cemetery.

For several years the family cemetery was on property that had been sold to outsiders. Recently the grounds were deeded to, and are now the property of, the Lanning heirs. This generous gift was through the kind and courteous, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Pinson of Ellijay. The deed is recorded in the Gilmer County Courthouse.

Recent contributions have allowed stone markers to be placed at the graves of John J., Annie, and Miranda Lanning. Ray Ashe, great grandson of John J. incised the stones, and Bill Flowers and Tommy Dunn Placed them at the cemetery earlier this year (1980). Excess funds also enabled the purchase of additional markers for the two infants of Margaret Lanning Painter. The balance of the contributions has been deposited in the Bank of Ellijay to be used as upkeep on the cemetery.

Homecoming, and a Memorial Service, is held each year on the second Sunday in September at the family cemetery. All descendants of John J. and Annie Lanning are invited to attend.

CONTRIBUTORS TO THE CEMETERY PROJECT
Frances Lanning Hardin
Nora Lee Garner (d)
Inez Lanning Griffin (d)
Harvey Lanning
Nathaniel Painter (d)
Willa Mae Parks
Maggie Teague
Brenda L. Cochran
Betty Ruth Cook
Mary Goble
Frankie Williams
Mrs. Noah Lanning (d)
Virginia Lanning Smith
Mr. & Mrs. John Lanning, Jr.
Willard Lanning
Thelma Brackett
Lois Teems
Ben Painter
Ruth DeFoor
Rosa Lee Castleberry
Imogene Nabell Brackett
Tarleton Frady
Annie Tatum
Sarah Rogers Smith
Minnie Hagin
Winfred Bradley
James Bradley
Mae Frady Ghorley (d)
Bobbie Jean Carroll
Leon Lanning
Clarence Lanning (d)
Grady Lanning
Reba Lanning Cox
V. M. Lanning, Jr.
Mrs. V. M. Lanning
Augusta Lanning (d)
Betty Messer Galloway
William (Bill) Lanning (d)
Hazel Garner Dougherty