Ethel "Claire" Lankford

It is with great sadness that our beloved Ethel “Claire” Lankford of Brandon, MS, has passed away. She entered into this world on April 13, 1936, in Wagarville, AL, and passed away on July 17, 2024. Claire never liked to acknowledge that her first name was Ethel; it was always Claire to those who knew her. In 1954, Claire married Buddy, the love of her life, and together they created beautiful memories. She was a devoted wife, mother, and Nana. She loved her family and had a way of making all of the grandchildren feel as if they were her favorite. She prayed daily for every member of the family by name.

Claire spent her career serving others by working in the medical field. She was a certified medical assistant and was proud of that position. After retirement, she and Buddy chased their dreams throughout the south and up and down the east coast with their business, aptly named “Claire’s Antiques”.

 Claire was a member of Crossgates Baptist Church. She loved her life group and church family and was a faithful member of the choir and senior group; however, she never acknowledged she was a senior. Claire and her husband Buddy loved to dance and could often be found doing just that with their friends and their dance club. Claire loved to read and enjoyed working her crossword puzzles, “the hard, New York Times ones.” She found pleasure antiquing, and directing people where she saw fit. Claire had a reputation for being what one would call “a true southern lady.” She was always proper, would rise to any occasion, and would never be caught without her lipstick on. Claire was fittingly dubbed the “Queen” by her granddaughter, Brooke. Her family will truly miss their matriarch.

 Claire is survived by her daughters Debbie (Barry) Porter, Carol Shoemaker, and Lynn (Hugh) Hubbard; grandchildren Blake (Savannah) Hubbard, Jason and Michael Porter, Rachel (Ryan) Puckett, Adam (Miranda) Hubbard and Brooke Hubbard; granddaughter-in-law, Kayleigh Jackson; great grandchildren: Brianna, Belle, Kara, Bria, Isla, Kinley, Jack, Nolan, and Ollie and many nieces, nephews and many dear friends.

 Claire was preceded in death by her parents, Wilmer Tarver, Ethel Tarver Steele, and stepfather Claude Steele; husband, Noel “Buddy” Lankford; grandson, Eric Shoemaker; son-in-law, Terry Shoemaker, and her sister Annette Kelly.

 Services will be held at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, MS, Saturday, July 20, 2024. Visitation at 1:00 p.m. followed by a service at 3:00 p.m.