Apr 3, 2008

Gale Ursilee Lankford, daughter of John Thomas and Barbara Byrd was born on July 13, 1957 in Miami, Fla., and passed away on March 29, 2008, in St. John's Hospital, Springfield, at the age of 50 years, 8 months and 16 days. Gale was a resident of Hermitage for the past 4½ years moving from Collins. She was a driver for ABC Transportation. Gale and Robert "Bobby" Lee Lankford were united in marriage on April 12, 1986 in Springfield, and to this union they were blessed with two children. Gale enjoyed horseback riding, caring for animals, being outdoors, her African violets, and being with her family and children. She was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Gale was preceded in death by her grandmother, Sue "Nanny" Byrd and a brother, Scotty Thomas. Her survivors include her two children, Dustin Lankford, Brookline, and Angel Lankford, Hermitage; her parents, John Thomas and Barbara Byrd, both of Miami, Fla.; two brothers, John Thomas Jr. and Bo Byrd, both of Miami, Fla.; one sister, Sandra Wells; an uncle, Gary Byrd, Orlando, Fla.; and a host of other relatives and friends. Graveside service will be Friday, April 4, at 2 p.m., at the Whites Creek Cemetery, Ava. Services are being conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava. Online condolences may be made to www.clinkingbeardfuneralhome. com.