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Ruth Lankford Obituary
Honorary and active pallbearers are asked to assemble at 11:30 a.m. at the church.
The family will assemble at 8124 Seaview Drive, Chesterfield, the day of the services and may be contacted by calling (804) 768-0530.
Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Mrs. Lankford online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com and where you may view a video tribute online or at the establishment.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of the J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Ave., Petersburg, Va., (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Lankford
Theresa Lofton (Foreman)
September 25, 2008
Sheila, I was saddened when I heard that your mom had passed. I remember the good times we shared on Graham Road and I also remember that Ms. Ruth did not play!! My prayers are with you and your family.
Barbara Moore/"Class Of 1985"
September 25, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Traci Allen
September 25, 2008
Nikki,
My condolences to you, KJ and the girls during this difficult time. I have very fond memories of Shorty from our days on Graham Road that I will continue to cherish. God bless you and the family. I love you.
Traci Allen
Tracie Kirkland
September 24, 2008
To the Jackson Family:
You're in my thoughts and prayers during your time of loss. May God richly bless and comfort you in your time of sorrow.
Tracie Walker Kirkland
Murphy, TX
Sophia Seaborn
September 24, 2008
Shelia,
My prayers are with you and your family. I have fond memories of your mom from our days of hanging out when we attended Virginia Avenue
Elementary School. She will truly be missed.
September 24, 2008
In the Palm Of His Hand
Let us take great courage in the love of our Lord
He walks with us and talks with us every day in sweet accord.
He is the Savior and helper of our souls; our life
He watches over His children and takes away all the strife.
Some wonder if Jesus is real, I can surely tell you true.
He watches over me and mine every day and the night through.
Let us pray that all will claim the offers of His tender love.
We know in our hearts that one day He will take us above.
Let us tell our neighbor; remind our friends of this goal
It could be the one difference in the saving of their soul.
What a shame, what an error it would be from the start.
As, He holds our life and souls dear, inside His sweet heart.
Let us claim Him as Savior. Let our abode be on high,
With a Savior so wondrous, He will keep our souls nigh
Thank you Father God for lending Thy Son to us on earth
Thank you Father God for having Mary, to Jesus, give birth.
I am glad dear Jesus that you keep us in the palm of Thy hand
Every day and every night all over this blessed land.
I pray all Countries of the world would accept Thy divine word
Read the words in Thy book to see it’s the sweetest story ever heard.
Just a Glimpse of Heaven
I saw the Third Heaven the other night, awesome it was to see.
I only had a glimpse or two of how wonderful Heaven will be.
'Tis beauty beyond measure, like the glittering of the brightest stars.
Yet, this was so much more, with hope for no more hate or wars.
There was a valley and sloping up a hill. I could, so clearly, see
Designs and colors of jewels, shapes that fit together so perfectly.
Joy arose up inside me. The tears in my eyes began to fall
Upon the ground that I knew was Holy and Jesus was over all.
When I saw Jesus inside the Heaven, His beauty unsurpassed
As the glittering mountain and treasures I looked on past.
Just a glimpse of Heaven, and how real it 'tis, is all I need to know.
And, when this life is o'er, with my sweet Lord, I know I'll go.
He awaits His people there and maybe He wants me to tell all
So, when we're gathered together in faith, He will come to call ...
Coming in a cloud in all His Glory, as they saw Him go away.
I treasure the dream, but wonder 'why me'? Was it a special day?
I am just a regular lady, now. 'Tho I was near a child then,
When I saw the third Heaven and thought 'what could it have been'?
I am not learned or of high esteem, unless loving Jesus makes me so.
For, it wasn't jewels that caught my eye but the way He loves us so.
My Father Shall Take Me Home
Many more miles to travel; many more places to see
I travel with my Father, many places to be.
He shall not leave me stranded; He will seal the way.
Come and go with my Father, it will be your happy day.
I fear not the height of mountains, nor winds that blow,
For my Father watches o'er me every place I go.
He shall not flounder. He knows the route true
Just give your heart to Jesus and He'll watch after you.
My Father shall come to me, as He did His Son on the cross
He hung there without mercy, but took away our loss.
He is the fairest in ten thousand. He took the chore.
He has all His many children; each one He doth adore.
He is my gentle Father. He loves all who believe in He
Who, hung on the old cross, to win for us, (a Victory)
A marvelous Victory for all, that on Him believes
Then when He comes to reap, our souls He will receive.
Come, stand beside Him. Let all know how much you love
This Father is of Heaven and earth, who will take us above.
Heaven is home and that is where He will take me that day.
Come, go with me; He would be happy to take us all the way.
September 24, 2008
I Want to Walk on Holy Ground
One night in a little Country Church, at an Altar, a true Savior I found.
He softened my heart and made me long, to walk on Holy ground.
Up there with the dear Master, who is the Holiest of all,
Hastened my heart into soon giving, Him, the most High, a call.
He said He’s waiting and watching, just giving plenty of time,
So come, go with me and call on this living Savior of mine.
He came to earth and walked with the likes of us here, just for the love
Of the brethren here on earth to receive Him from high above.
His love is so awesome. You can feel it without even seeing Him.
But failing to accept Him will cause the light in your soul to grow dim.
Id like to dance in the Spirit, shout with the Angels all around
When I’m there in Heaven. Forever to walk on Holy ground.
I long to be in Glory with a Savior who is ever true and justly divine.
Who will ever look to my cares, because He knows I claim Him as mine.
When this old life is over and done at last, I want to draw ever near to He
Who will be with me all throughout the land and ages, of Eternity.
Maybe there’ll be soft clouds and beautiful valleys with a mustard tree
That we can just gather seeds aplenty and ever be in harmony.
Harmony with this awesome Master in whom the sun and moon obey.
So Lord come for me and let me surely walk on the Holy ground that day.
September 24, 2008
Heavens' Garden
Whilst working in Heavens' garden, to make a great design...
Try sowing seed of goodness of each and every kind.
Pretty, white roses, for His Altar, clean as the driven snow...
Red roses for the walkway, for the blood he shed, long ago.
Pink carnations for the piety, we need to show our Christ today...
Just sow flower seed aplenty, all across life's way.
Yellow roses for the sunshine, from Heaven He doth give to all...
And Blue azaleas' for the blue sky, from whence, He doth call.
Plant love in the winter, it will help to keep us warm and cozy,
And set out spring flowers for the springtime, bright and cheerfully rosy.
Asters in the Autumn keep blooming, way on until the snow,
But in the summer... babies' breath, we'll all just have to sow.
In the Springtime apple blossoms, blooming along the way,
Or maybe a peach orchard upon a hillside, to remind us of that day..
. When our Savior shed His Blessings, all upon the world.
And, don't forget the seed of forgiveness... to give it a twirl.
And, Id like to decorate the world, with beautiful flowers for Him,
And try to show my love. But He's the one who sent them.
So, let us use them for His Glory, spread them all along life's way...
Until that sweet time tomorrow, when it will be that sweet day.
How Beautiful Upon the Mountain
How beautiful are the feet upon the mountain, which doth good tidings bring,
That publishes peace, that publishes salvation and saith unto Zion, thy God reign.
The watchman shall agree when the Lord shall again bring Zion, His people free,
Redeemed, and shall sing of joy and gladness, for they shall see and agree.
All ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God, break forth and sing,
Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord, let thy praises ring,
Unto His ear, that He may know we love Him so, this Christ our King,
And though He shall grow as a tender plant out of the ground, His praises let us sing.
He was rejected, had sorrow, was acquainted with grief and was not esteemed,
Despised and rejected, no beauty, yet many nations by Him shall be redeemed;
He carried our sorrows; we esteemed Him stricken, our sorrows He hast borne,
Smitten by God, wounded for our transgressions, dear Jesus we do for Thee mourn.
All You did for our chastisement, yet all like sheep have turned and gone astray,
Yet all the iniquities were laid on Thee my Lord, as all turned his own way,
He was oppresses and afflicted, yet opened not His mouth to say a word,
He was taken from prison and judgment, the sweetest story ever to be heard.
His grave was with the wicked, with the rich in death, for no violence had He done,
How beautiful are the feet upon the mountain, who brought good news from this One,
Tho the Lord made His soul an offering for sin, He shalt see His seed of plenty,
And by the knowledge of the righteous, bearing iniquities justify many.
I Heard a Distant Choir
As I was was gazing up to Heaven, the stars so shiny and bright,
I thought I heard singing in the sky, way up yonder out of sight,
Singing of the Master, who sits and rules, upon the highest throne,
It was so very beautiful, I was wishing it would go on and on.
It must have been the Angels singing, or the Saints gone on before,
I thought I heard mama and daddy, quietly knocking, on my hearts door,
I listened and was quietly whispering, the name of Jesus to be by my side,
And He assured me in the kindest voice, that He’d ever by me, abide.
It sounded like sweet melodies, coming from there, way up above,
I wondered if it was the Angels telling, of the sweetness of their love,
Hark! I think I see chariots coming, pulled by horses of white,
I wondered how it could be so clearly seen, when it was in the night.
But I could hear the distant choir singing, a sweet melody of love,
‘Twas the Masters voice from Heaven, singing bass, from up above,
Singing, come to me my children, Ill keep you safe from harm,
Then in my mind I saw a banner waving, ‘twas from the Masters arm.
Saying I am the Lily of the Valley, the Bright and Morning Star,
I am sending you a message, from the Saints, own Holy choir,
So as I thought of fainting away into death, I awakened, just to see,
That the message meant, one day the Chariot was coming after me.
sibena samuel-harris
September 23, 2008
To my friend Sheila and family,
I'm sorry to hear of your lost. I know you meant the world to her. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I smile at the memories of sleep overs at your house and Ms.Ruth cooking breakfast and taking care of us.
sibena samuel-harris
September 23, 2008
A Reminiscence
YES, thou art gone! and never more
Thy sunny smile shall gladden me;
But I may pass the old church door,
And pace the floor that covers thee.
May stand upon the cold, damp stone,
And think that, frozen, lies below
The lightest heart that I have known,
The kindest I shall ever know.
Yet, though I cannot see thee more,
'Tis still a comfort to have seen;
And though thy transient life is o'er,
'Tis sweet to think that thou hast been;
To think a soul so near divine,
Within a form so angel fair,
United to a heart like thine,
Has gladdened once our humble sphere.
By Anne Bronte
The Poetry Foundation
Carolyn Burrow
September 23, 2008
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
Carolyn Burrow
September 23, 2008
Shelia
I was sorry yo hear about the loss of your mother. Your mom was indeed a special angel sent to this world. I rememember the younger years of my life when she opened the doors of her home for me to stay. She never let me down and she always had a good amount of advice some that I didn't always take. But I knew she had good intentions. Her memories will always be with me. Today another angel has gone home but she did the work that God wanted her to do. Shelia please know that if you ever just need to talk just call me. The memories of her will always live in my heart.
GERALD AND FRANKLIN MEADOWS
September 23, 2008
Back in 1932, I was 32 years old and a fairly new husband. My wife, Nettie and
I were living in a little apartment on Chicago's Southside. One hot August
afternoon I had to go to St. Louis, where I was to be the featured soloist at a
large revival meeting. I didn't want to go. Nettie was in the last month of
pregnancy with our first child. But a lot of people were expecting me in St. Louis.
I kissed Nettie good-bye, Clattered downstairs to our Model A and, in a fresh
Lake Michigan breeze, chugged out of Chicago on Route 66. However, outside the
city, I discovered that in my anxiety at leaving, I had forgotten my music case.
I wheeled around and headed back. I found Nettie sleeping peacefully. I hesitated
by her bed; something was strongly telling me to stay.
But eager to get on my way, and not wanting to disturb Nettie, I shrugged off the
feeling and quietly slipped out of the room with my music. The next night, in the
steaming St. Louis heat, the crowd called on me to sing again and again.
When I finally sat down, a messenger boy ran up with a Western Union telegram. I
ripped open the envelope. Pasted on the yellow sheet were the words:
YOUR WIFE JUST DIED.
People were happily singing and clapping around me, but I could hardly keep from
crying out. I rushed to a phone and called home. All I could hear on the other end
was "Nettie is dead. Nettie is dead."
When I got back, I learned that Nettie had given birth to a boy. I swung between
grief and joy. Yet that night, the baby died. I buried Nettie and our little boy
together, in the same casket. Then I fell apart. For days I closeted myself.
I felt that God had done me an injustice. I didn't want to serve Him any more or
write gospel songs. I just wanted to go back to that jazz world I once knew so well.
But then, as I hunched alone in that dark apartment those first sad days, I thought
back to the afternoon I went to St. Louis. Something kept telling me to stay with
Nettie. Was that something God?
Oh, if I had paid more attention to Him that day, I would have stayed and been with
Nettie when she died. From that moment on I vowed to listen more closely to Him.
But still I was lost in grief. Everyone was kind to me, especially a friend, Professor
Fry, who seemed to know what I needed. On the following Saturday evening he took
me up to Malone's Poro College, a neighborhood music school. It was quiet; the late
evening sun crept through the curtained windows. I sat down at the piano, and my
hands began to browse over the keys.
Something happened to me then. I felt at peace. I felt as though I could reach out and
touch God. I found myself playing a melody, once into my head the melody just
seemed to fall into place:
Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, let me stand!
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn,
Through the storm, through the night lead me on to the light,
Take my hand, precious Lord, Lead me home.
The Lord gave me these words and melody, He also healed my spirit. I learned that when
we are in our deepest grief, when we feel farthest from God, this is when He is closest,
and when we are most open to His restoring power.
And so I go on living for God willingly and joyfully, until that day comes when He will
take me and gently lead me home.
A Secret Place
I have a secret place
I like to go each day.
When the day is filled with cares,
I often slip away.
The solitude I yearn for
Way down deep inside,
I find when I take time to go
All cares will soon subside.
I love my secret place
It affords to me some time,
To still my heart; be renewed,
My thoughts to organize.
You too need a place
That you can be alone,
To be refreshed; hear your heart,
Or sing a cheerful song.
A spirit lift of sorts,
It moves me through each day.
As the sun begins to set,
I quietly kneel to pray.
I thank the Lord for time well spent,
And for showing me this place.
I can be alone with him.
How I thank him for his Grace.
Jesus Brings Joy
Like the beauty of the dew on a rose
as it looks toward the morning sun,
Jesus brings joy to our hearts,
He's the Holy and Anointed One.
Each petal of a fragrant rose
is like a promise God has given,
The Lord brings joy to our lives,
He's our hope and reason for living.
Our hearts can safely trust in Him
the one who saved us from our sins,
Grace and forgiveness is found in our Savior
He's our Lord and Dearest Friend.
Yes, Jesus brings joy to our lives
with each new passing day,
It's such a blessing just to know
He's always with us, along life's narrow way.
IN MY FATHER'S ARMS
Father, when day is done and all are sound asleep
I seek refuge in your loving arms and feel secure.
For many nights I have had pain and grief
And you helped me those nights to endure.
My life is not all pure and clean, as you know
But you loved me and waited till I could see,
You knew I would return, where else could I go,
There is no place like in your loving arms to be.
The tenderness and love you have shown me
None other could come close
You never left, no not even once I see
You are always there, my Heavenly Host.
You have held me and kept me safe this far,
You've sheltered me from the turmoil of life
You are my life, my brightest star.
Life is no longer toil and strife.
My Father Is Always Near
Father, when I think of all the wondrous things
You have done for me,
All the times I felt I could not go on,
And then, You were there, I could see.
I felt Your presence there to lift me up,
To help me on my way
To reassure me that You were near
And would listen to all I had to say.
Never could there be a friend,
Never one so dear as You,
I sat there and said a prayer,
That is all I had to do.
You heard my every want
You listened without a word
Then patiently You answered me
My every word was heard.
Sometimes it is not right away,
You answer what I ask
But soon You're there to help me
And my problems all are passed.
September 23, 2008
When He Takes Me Home
Lord, I've traveled all around.
It seems I just roam
And I know there's no place like Heaven.
So, Lord, please take me home.
When this life, here on earth, is done
And there's no one left to love,
Please send my angel for this one,
To be with Thee above.
I know there's all things of beauty there,
Which seems to escapes me here.
I want to see the tree of life and a white robe wear,
And by my Savior be near.
I'd like to see Thine own garden of beauty
And all You'd have for me to do,
By Thine own side enjoy every duty
And bow at Thy feet and worship, too.
I can almost hear the angels singing
With the pure joy of it all,
When they see Thee, under Thy wing,
Bringing more souls to come to call.
Your, Secret Place Lord
Hide my sins in your secret place Lord; each one
We sin often Lord God; much to our dismay to Thy Son.
Help us to overcome each shortcoming; in life today
And find the true road to Glory Lord; one way.
Help us to turn corners gracefully Lord; in prayer
On this road to peace I know we'll find you there.
Just hide every ugly sin that’s ever been; Lord
Seems overcoming all on this old earth is rather hard.
We know though that forgiveness is in Thine own heart
And the secret hiding place shall never, ever part.
Keep us under your wing and protect each one
Keep us for Thine own self until life here is done.
Then let us hover round about Thee sweet Jesus; always
For Thy word says there will be no end; to the days.
Forever and ever we'll walk streets of gold
And in Thy name dear Master; let us be utterly bold.
Tell our neighbor about Thy loving grace; every day
Lord, that they too, might look up and find the only way.
The secret hiding place in the true and everlasting heart
And when we find this place; never, Lord let us part.
LOVE YOU
September 23, 2008
I Heard a Distant Choir
As I was was gazing up to Heaven, the stars so shiny and bright,
I thought I heard singing in the sky, way up yonder out of sight,
Singing of the Master, who sits and rules, upon the highest throne,
It was so very beautiful, I was wishing it would go on and on.
It must have been the Angels singing, or the Saints gone on before,
I thought I heard mama and daddy, quietly knocking, on my hearts door,
I listened and was quietly whispering, the name of Jesus to be by my side,
And He assured me in the kindest voice, that He’d ever by me, abide.
It sounded like sweet melodies, coming from there, way up above,
I wondered if it was the Angels telling, of the sweetness of their love,
Hark! I think I see chariots coming, pulled by horses of white,
I wondered how it could be so clearly seen, when it was in the night.
But I could hear the distant choir singing, a sweet melody of love,
‘Twas the Masters voice from Heaven, singing bass, from up above,
Singing, come to me my children, Ill keep you safe from harm,
Then in my mind I saw a banner waving, ‘twas from the Masters arm.
Saying I am the Lily of the Valley, the Bright and Morning Star,
I am sending you a message, from the Saints, own Holy choir,
So as I thought of fainting away into death, I awakened, just to see,
That the message meant, one day the Chariot was coming after me.
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