Edna Irene Lanier was born the first child to the union of Edward Hawthorne Lanier and Annie Bell Parker Lanier. She was educated in the Calhoun County School System. She joined Thankful Baptist Church and remained a lifelong member. She married John Henry Marshall, who preceded her in death. No children were born to this union but, she raised many, including Carter and Goodwin Smith.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; sisters, Lenora Freeman and Lois Strange; brothers, Arthur Lanier, Isaiah Lanier, Prince Lanier, Willie Lanier and Andrew Lanier. She is survived by: two sisters, Jessie Lanier and Rebecca Hicks; her sisters-in-law, Emma Lanier, Flossie Lanier, Fannie Lanier and Lula Lanier; special caregivers, Ladrester Sigler and nieces, Vilena Billups and Gwen Hicks; and a host of other nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.