Phyllis Lankford

The family of Phyllis Owens Lankford, age 86, announce her peaceful transition to heaven on December 18th. She was comfortable in her home and surrounded by her children. Phyllis was born to Russel L Owens Sr. and Eunice Carter Owens on July 8th 1938 in Howertons Va. She dedicated her life to her family, always putting others' needs ahead of her own. She was a source of strength, warmth, and unconditional love for her children and grandchildren. Her smile and laugh will be a bright memory for us all. 

Phyllis was preceded in death by her loving husband of 66 years, John Gilbert Lankford. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters Ann Louise Owens Coghill (Stanley), Barbara Owens, and her brother Russel L. Owens Jr. 

She is survived by her precious children J. Kevin Lankford (Stephanie, who was like another daughter), Karen Thomas (Jim, who cooked meals fit for a king and would surprise you with his clam chowder), and Kristi Cunningham (Eric, who made sure we were together as a family). Phyllis is also survived by grandchildren, Justin Lankford and Jason Lankford, who she adored. She spent many hours watching them play baseball which she loved. She was thrilled to attend the last Tides game where they won the championship. She is further survived by sister Linda Johnson (Wayne) who sat with her for hours knitting, crocheting, and reminiscing, her sister-in-law Renee Owens, as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. 

Phyllis was a life-long member of Howertons Baptist Church where she served in numerous capacities including clerk, general treasurer, cemetery fund treasurer, and many other committees over the years. She was loved by the community and had many close friends and extended family who checked on her faithfully and kept her in their prayers, including her brother-in-law Deane Lankford (Arlene) whom she was fortunate to have close by to lend a helping hand. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

Phyllis loved tending to her flowers and watching hummingbirds in the evening with John. She loved working in the garden and driving her tractor at night pulling the harrow while John did the heavy work. We take comfort knowing they are together again. The family would like to acknowledge and thank the nurses and aides from Hospice of Virginia for taking care of her during her last months as well as the many doctors and specialists that grew close to mom over the years. 

Visitation will be held on Friday December 27th from 5-7pm at Marks-Bristow Chapel, 206 N Church Lane, Tappahannock VA 22560. The funeral service will be held Saturday December 28 at 11am at Howertons Baptist Church, 3875 Essex Mill Rd, Dunnsville VA 22454. The interment will be in the church cemetery immediately following the service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Howertons Baptist Church Cemetery Fund or Tappahannock Tides Baseball Team.