## Narrative Summary of the Obituary

Mrs. Lillie West Lankford, 72, widow of David Lankford, died on 27 February 1957 at her daughter's home in Unity. A native of Nansemond County, she was the daughter of Judson and Maria Howell West. She was a former resident of Burdette and a member of Black Creek Baptist Church.

## Narrative Summary of Funeral Services

Services for Mrs. Lankford were conducted on 02 March 1957 at 4:00 PM at Black Creek Baptist Church by Revs. R. E. Brittle, Leonard B. Allen, and E. C. Thornton. The body lay in state from 2:00 PM until the service. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

## Transcript

MRS DAVID LANKFORD, SR.

Mrs. Lillie West Lankford, 72, widow of David Lankford, died at 9:45 o'clock Wednesday night, 27 February 1957, at the home in Unity of her daughter, Mrs. Roger Drewry, with whom she had made her home since the death of her husband in August 1956. A native of Nansemond County, she was the daughter of the late Judson and Maria Howell West. She was a former resident of Burdette and held membership in Black Creek Baptist Church.

In addition to Mrs. Drewry survivors are two sons, David Lankford of Ivor and Hudson Lankford of Philadelphia, Pa.; five grandchildren, Mrs. A. Boykins and Bob, Jim and Ray Drewry of Zuni and Mason Lankford of Norfolk; three great grandchildren; a sister, Mrs. Novella Howell of Portsmouth; two brothers, H. C. West of Smithfield and W. J. West of Holland; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The body was taken to the Purviance Funeral Home in Wakefield and thence on Saturday afternoon to Black Creek Baptist Church, where it lay in state from 2 o'clock until the hour for the funeral. Services for Mrs. Lankford were conducted Saturday afternoon 2 March 1957 at 4 o'clock by Revs. R. E. Brittle, Leonard B. Allen and E. C. Thornton. Burial was in the church cemetery. Active pallbearers were Herman Bradshaw, William J. Byrd, Ryland Duck, Dr. F. I. Steele, William R. Taylor, Gilmer West, Hugh A. West and E. H. Whitley.

## Vital Statistics Summary

| Name    | Mrs. Lillie West Lankford          |
|---------|------------------------------------|
| Age     | 72                                 |
| Birth   | 1885 (estimated); Nansemond County |
| Death   | 27 February 1957; Unity            |
## Table of Relationships

| Name                  | Relationship        | Residence         |
|-----------------------|---------------------|-------------------|
| David Lankford        | Husband (deceased)  | Unknown           |
| Judson West           | Father (deceased)   | Unknown           |
| Maria Howell West     | Mother (deceased)   | Unknown           |
| Mrs. Roger Drewry     | Daughter            | Unity             |
| David Lankford        | Son                 | Ivor              |
| Hudson Lankford       | Son                 | Philadelphia, Pa. |
| Mrs. A. Boykins       | Grandchild          | Zuni              |
| Bob Drewry            | Grandchild          | Zuni              |
| Jim Drewry            | Grandchild          | Zuni              |
| Ray Drewry            | Grandchild          | Zuni              |
| Mason Lankford        | Grandchild          | Norfolk           |
| Mrs. Novella Howell   | Sister              | Portsmouth        |
| H. C. West            | Brother             | Smithfield        |
| W. J. West            | Brother             | Holland           |
## Publication Details

| Publication       | Tidewater News     |
|-------------------|--------------------|
| Location          | Franklin, Virginia |
| Date              | 14 March 1957      |
| Volume            | 52                 |
| Number            | 22                 |
| Page              | 6                  |
## Other Relevant Information

Mrs. Lankford was a former resident of Burdette. She held membership in Black Creek Baptist Church. The funeral service was held at Black Creek Baptist Church. Burial was in the church cemetery. Active pallbearers were Herman Bradshaw, William J. Byrd, Ryland Duck, Dr. F. I. Steele, William R. Taylor, Gilmer West, Hugh A. West and E. H. Whitley.