Betty Jo (Mills) Lankford, 79, passed away Tuesday, August 11, 2026, in O’Fallon, Missouri. Betty was born March 6, 1947, in Fort Payne, Alabama, to the late Charlie Leonard Mills Sr and Louise Parker. She was a 1965 graduate of Fort Payne High School. Betty married the love of her life, Terry Kean Lankford, in 1967.

A long-time resident of Fort Payne, Betty’s career with Vulcraft spanned more than 40 years. She was a fan of Alabama Football and played Pac-Man more than anyone might know. Memaw Betty loved her grandchildren and enjoyed making cornbread dressing and peach cobbler for them. She especially loved her husband Terry and had a remarkable faith that she displayed in her fight with cancer.

Betty was a member of Lifespring Community Church in St Peters, Missouri, and Asbury Christian Fellowship in Fort Payne. Rev. Darrell Morgan of Asbury will officiate the funeral services.

Pallbearers: Gavin Lankford, Ben Lankford, Bradley Sills, Jackson Sills, Tim Reed, and Lee Trotman. Honorary Pallbearers: Chris Mills and Chris King.

Betty is survived by her son, Benjamin, and daughter-in-law, Lauri (Larsen) Lankford; grandchildren, Lindsey and Gavin Lankford; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins. Betty was preceded in death by her husband Terry K. Lankford and her brother Charlie Leonard Mills Jr.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, 2026, 11:00 am, until 1:00 pm at Wilson Funeral Home in Fort Payne, Alabama, followed by funeral service at Wilson and burial at Glenwood Cemetery in Fort Payne.

Wilson Funeral Home and Crematory of Fort Payne is in charge of arrangements.