Melba Jean Merritt Lankford, 86 of Arab passed away Friday, March 29, 2024, at Barfield Health Care. She was born September 19, 1937, in Marshall County the daughter of Virgle Merritt and Hazel Morene Gilley Merritt. She was a graduate of Arab High School, retired from SCI and a lifelong member of the Eddy Missionary Baptist Church. She was married to Glennell Lankford for 62 years at the time of his passing June 9, 2022. She enjoyed playing the piano and organ, as well as singing in a trio at church.
She survived by her brother: Virgle Merritt, Jr., his wife: Joan and their daughter: Stephanie. Stepbrothers: Joe Southerland, Roy Southerland, Aruther Southerland and Randall Southerland, as well as their family. She was preceded by her husband: Glennell Lankford; parents: Virgil and Hazel Merritt; stepbrothers: Fred Southerland and Milford Southerland.
Funeral Service will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at Eddy Missionary Baptist Church with Brother Larry Mann officiating. The burial will be in the Eddy Cemetery, Gober Funeral Chapel directing. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Eddy Missionary Baptist Church. Pallbearers are, Randall Southerland, Arthur Southerland, Larry Bridges, Jason Smith, Jeremy Bulman and Collins Miller. Honorary Pallbearers are, Darrell Cornett, Ray King and Bud Blackmon.
