Known as “Nanny” to her grandchildren, she was born in Farmhaven, Mississippi near Jackson, on May 26, 1938. She is one of five children of Joseph Ples Lawrence and Clara Lee (Ray) Lawrence. She spent most of her youth in Mobile, Alabama. She had fond memories of her Grandma Ray and spoke of her often. In 1956, she was introduced to the love of her life John Anthony Warner who was in the Air Force and stationed at Brookley Field, Mobile, Alabama. She became a military bride following her husband to many duty stations all over the United States and to Germany and England. She gave birth to three children, each in different states. During the many different locations in which the family resided, she, in addition to raising her children, worked in several different occupations. At one point following John’s retirement from the Air Force, she followed him to Saudi Arabia while he was a contractor working for the Saudi Arabia Air Force. During that time, she traveled to Egypt and her visit to the pyramids ranks as one of the most memorable experiences in her many travels.

She loved flowers and maintained a wonderful garden wherever she lived, raising exotic flowers from cuttings from all over the country, establishing them in her own gardens. At Christmas time, she and John were well known for the cookies they made, containerized, and distributed them to family and friends in the neighborhood. They were also known for the hundreds of Christmas cards they sent to friends they met on their many moves over the years.

In 1984 the couple moved to Yorktown, Virginia, spending 30 years prior to John’s passing in 2014. During that time Addie enjoyed her five grandchildren by spending time with them allowing them to visit for weeks in the summer. She decorated her home inside and out for the Christmas and Easter holidays, always going over the top for her grandchildren to enjoy those occasions. She ensured her grandchildren continue to have wonderful memories of their times with “Nanny” and "Pap”. She was a strong-willed woman who always portrayed an example of a very positive, happy person. Always willing to help family and others who needed her guidance. She loved her family dearly and was very proud of each one of them. She was raised Baptist prior to her marriage to John; she converted to the Catholic faith and was devoted throughout her life and expressed her faith to family and others often. 

She leaves behind to cherish her memory a son, Michael of Staunton, Virginia; a daughter, Carmen of Virginia Beach; and son Stephen and wife Kim, of Gordonsville, Virginia; five grandchildren, Ashley Payne Martin and Chris, Devan Payne and Trista, Amber Warner Martyn and JR, Megan Warner Mawhorr and Jason, Leah Warner Cline and Chase; 9 great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Barbara Jackson of Pittsburgh, Pa, Janet Myers of Greensboro NC, brother-in-law, Garry Warner of Hollidaysburg Pa; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

She was predeceased by her husband John, her parents, her siblings, Sue Sullivan, Perry Lawrence, Elaine Phelps, and Janice Gray. 

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at The Lodge at Old Trail, Crozet, VA, where she received excellent care through her many years and especially those in the assisted care and memory care units. Also, the nurses and aides from Legacy Hospice.   

Honoring Addie’s wishes, she did not want a viewing, she would be interned at Arlington National Cemetery with her husband, on a future date. In lieu of flowers, Addie would prefer donations to charities of your preference.

Arrangements by Preddy Funeral Home Gordonsville, Va.