Mrs. Verma Marie Lankford, 99, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, April 14, 2023. Mrs. Lankford was born and raised in Arkansas by her parents, George, and Georgia McCormic.

During World War II, Mrs. Lankford worked with the women Rosie’s group in Fort Worth Texas, fixing and repairing the airplanes.  Her specialty was re-shielding the turrets where the gunners sat.  Mrs. Lankford was a West Hampton Baptist Church member, previously known as Copeland Park Baptist Church, for over 70 years. She served in many capacities during this time and loved to work with the youth, especially the babies. Mrs. Lankford served the members of the church by caring for their babies while they were worshiping for many years.  She also worked at the Virginia Employment Commission for 30 years. 

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Earl Benjamin Lankford; her two daughters, Nancy Carol Smith, and Paula Marie Lankford; and a son, Earl Benjamin Lankford, Jr.

Mrs. Lankford is survived by three daughters, Gloria L McDaniels, Dianne L Bell, and her husband Steve, and Kathi Christiansen; eleven grandchildren, Coleman Conner, Jenny Naquin, Susan Ward, John Timmer, Carrie T. Barrick, David Thomas, Ellen Kiger Hites, Eric Yevak, Megan Yevak, Earl Yevak, and Hollie Christiansen; eighteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Mrs. Lankford will be greatly missed by her family and friends. We know that she is happy and singing praises for being with the rest of her family in heaven.

The family will receive friends at West Hampton Baptist Church in Hampton, VA on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. The Celebration of Life service will follow at 12:00 p.m., officiated by Rev. Phil Richardson. Burial will follow at Peninsula Memorial Park in Newport News.

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 2301.