LeAnna O'Neal Lankford

LeAnna lived with an undiminished love of family and children. Her entire life was dedicated to making sure everyone was cared for, especially children.

Born July 1st, 1942, LeAnna grew up in various places in Texas as the daughter of a Methodist minister. Upon completing her social work degree from Sam Houston State University she worked at Buckner’s Baptist Children’s Home and Texas Baptist Children’s Home. It was her passion to be a stay-at-home-mom and to be a foster parent for infants. She did that and her adult life was devoted to God and His work in her life.

Her walk in her journey was with her husband and best friend, Burrell for 50 years. It was as a freshman in college that he came into her life and they married as seniors in 1963. Together they nurtured three children, five grandchildren, one great grandchild and 173 foster newborn infants.

Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchild and foster babies were the focus of her being. She imparted to them her bond of love, taught them how to live, to love and to learn the importance of God in their lives.

She is preceded in death by her parents Thomas O’Neal and Bonnie; daughter Melissa Ann, age 2.

She is survived by her husband Burrell, son Wesley Lankford and wife Julie of Nashville, TN; Daughter Wendy Gant and husband Shane of Whitney, TX. Grandchildren Caroline and William Lankford; Katelyn Martinez and husband Gerardo of Austin, TX; Whitney and Shaylee Gant. Great-Grandchild Addison Amaya LeAnn Martinez.

It is with great respect that the family expresses their love and gratitude to Dr. Jerry Fain and the very special staff at Texas Oncology Mid-town.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to:

o St. Jude’s Children’s Medical Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105

o Smile Train, Smile Train, PO Box 96231, Washington, D.C. 20090-6231

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2014 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Cook-Walden Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville. LeAnna’s life will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, April 24, 2014 at Woodlawn Baptist Church, 4600 Manchaca Road, Austin, Texas.