Elsie Helen Lankford

Elsie Helen Lankford, 88, of Candler, NC passed away on Thursday, November 27, 2025 at Mission Hospital.

Elsie was born on September 12, 1937 in Jackson Heights, NY to the late Carl Hildebrand (1982) and Meta Meyers Hildebrand (1986).  She is also preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, William “Bill” Lankford (2011) and sister, Anita Wias.

Elsie graduated from Jamaica High School in New York. Her and her late husband, Bill, later became the owners of Lankford’s Grocery in Canton, NC. They owned Lankford’s Grocery for 30 years before they retired to Frostproof, Florida for the last 32 years. Elsie loved to play cards, do diamond paintings, and spend time with her friends and family. She also loved to crochet, especially scarfs, pot holders, and hangers.

Surviving Elsie is her children, Karen Gibson (Steve) of Canton, NC, Bill Lankford (Karla) of Canton, NC, and Sharon Pruett (Danny) of Candler, NC; 6 grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren.

A service will be held at a later date.

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