The Rev. Lynette Lanphere, an Episcopal priest who served many communities and parishes across Alabama and beyond, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2024. She will be remembered as an exemplary pastor and counselor, known for her sharp wit, wry smile, and beautifully written sermons.
Lynette was born in Marshalltown, Iowa, in 1947 and grew up in a family imbued with solid midwestern values. She pursued an education at Briar Cliff University, Creighton University, Loras College, and Sewanee, earning four degrees: a Bachelor of Arts in History and English, an MS EDU in elementary school education, an MA in clinical psychology, and a Master of Divinity. Before feeling called to ordained ministry, she dedicated 23 years to serving as a Roman Catholic nun in schools and parishes in Iowa and Chicago, Illinois. She also worked for several years as a children’s clinical psychologist before transitioning to the Episcopal faith.
She was ordained as an Episcopal priest in 2002 by Bishop Mark Andrus and subsequently served as an associate at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Huntsville, Alabama. In 2004, she was called to be the rector of The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany in Leeds, Alabama, presiding over a decade marked by growth, vitality, faithfulness, and joy. After her retirement in 2014, she moved to Huntsville, Alabama, yet continued her ministry work. She served as interim rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Scottsboro, Alabama from 2014 to 2016, and served as priest affiliate at St. Stephens in Huntsville, concluding her ministry where she began. Her significant contributions to the Diocese of Alabama and the many people she served have left a lasting impact.
She is survived by her partner, Nikki Chenault; stepchildren, Michael Robbins, Eric Robbins, and Kelley Robbins; step grandchildren, Alexander Hauck Robbins and Margaret Robbins; and brothers, Jim Lanphere and Guy Lanphere.
A memorial service will take place on September 28th at 2:00pm at Church of the Nativity in Huntsville, officiated by Bishop Glenda S. Curry. A reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her honor to the Food Bank of North Alabama (https://www.foodbanknorthal.org/) or Episcopal Relief & Development (https://www.episcopalrelief.org/).
May she rest in peace and rise in glory.
