Martha Lankford

Weaverville - Martha Inez Garland Lankford, 73, passed away Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at her residence, after a long period of illness. She was a native of Yancey County and had resided in Buncombe County most of her life. Martha was the daughter of the late James and Tina Silvers Garland and was also preceded in death by ten brothers and sisters. She was a member of Flat Creek Baptist Church and had worked as a Lunchroom Manager for the Buncombe County School System. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, William Lankford; son, Steve Lankford and wife, Sharon; daughters, Shirley Christopher and husband, Bill, Linda Lankford, Debbie Bailey and husband, Jeff; eight grandchildren, Christy Ramsey, Jason Ramsey, James Lankford, Jennifer Parker, Ashley Banks, Adam Rhodes, Steve Lankford, Jr. and Clarissa Lankford; eleven great-grandchildren, Katelyn, Nathan, Alexis and Abigail Ramsey, Trace and Seth Metcalf, Hunter and Hayden Banks, Lily, Ivy and Colton James Lankford; sisters, Billie Anderson and Wanda Garland; brothers, Ray, Glen and Donald Garland and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at the chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home at 6:00 PM Friday, September 30, 2011 with Rev. Dalton Ramsey officiating. Burial will be Saturday at 11 AM in Lankford Cemetery. The family will receive friends following the service Friday at the funeral home. In Lieu of flowers, please send donations in her memory to Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Street, Flat Rock, NC 28732. The family would like to thank all the staff and care givers at Four Seasons Hospice for making Martha as comfortable as possible.