Essie Virginia Lankford Willard

Mrs. Essie Virginia Lankford Willard, 86, of Mount Airy, passed away Wednesday, September 2, 2009, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Mrs. Willard was born September 27, 1922, in Patrick County, VA, to John and Lucy Payne Lankford. She was a strong, devoted Christian woman. She cherished her dear family that she lovingly cared for. Surviving are three daughters, Irene Thompson of Mount Airy, Katie Sue Childress of Stuart, VA, and Darlene Bradshaw of Stokesdale; six sons, Monroe Willard of Claudville, VA, Bobby Willard of Lenoir, Ernest Lankford Willard of Claudville, VA, Freddie Willard of Stuart, VA, Harry Moir Willard, Jr. of Stokesdale, and Johnny Moir Willard of Claudville, VA; twenty grandchildren; forty-three great-grandchildren; three sisters, Sue Hiatt of Westfield, Carolyn Marsh of Mount Airy, and Ann Planche of New Orleans, LA; and two brothers, Joe Lankford and Robert Lankford, both of Claudville, VA. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Willard was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Moir Willard; a daughter, Imogene Willard; two sons, Jerry Willard and David Willard; a sister, Irene Copeland; and a brother, Claude Lankford. The funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 AM Friday, September 4, 2009, at Moody Funeral Home Chapel in Mount Airy, by the Rev. David Heath and the Rev. Ricky Lankford. Burial will follow in the Stokesdale Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday night from 7:00 to 9:00 at the funeral home.