Alice Joan Lankford

"Our mother was an inspiration to all who knew her. Her Christian life, kindness, gentleness, and guiding words made an impact on all who knew her. She served as an example of all that is good and she was loved by all. Her laughter and joyous ways will be carried on through the memories of her family and friends. Mom was born in Portales, NM, on August 28, 1933 to Travis Henry Procter and Ada Mae Procter. Throughout her young life she lived in various towns in AZ and NM before settling in Modesto.

Mom was a graduate of the 1951 Class of Modesto High School where she played clarinet four years under the direction of Prof. Frank Mancini. On March 24, 1951, she married Ted Lankford. Together they raised two children; Debbie and Scott. She was a member of the La Loma Church of Christ, and for the past 50 years she has served and has been an active member of the Davis Park Church of Christ. As a mother of two youngsters, Mom helped in school classrooms, as a cub scout den mother, taught Sunday school classes, and was an avid member of the Thomas Downey High School Athletic Booster Club. At the age of 34, she returned to college to pursue a career in nursing. After completing LVN nursing school, Mom began her career at Memorial Hospital."

Joan is predeceased by husband Ted Lankford; parents Travis and Ada; siblings Travis Jr. Procter and Joyce DeFreece; and grandson Ryan Pendley. She is survived by daughter Debbie Cree; son Scott Lankford (Helen); four grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; along with several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will begin at 11 am Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at Heritage Chapel, Lakewood Memorial Park with the viewing from 10am to 11am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Stanislaus County Community Hospice and Health Services, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356.