Sandra Parks Lankford

Mrs. Sandra Parks Lankford, aged 57, of Forsyth County, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 19, 2014. She was a loving mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Through her strength, loyalty, and happiness, she was a rock for everyone who knew her. Mrs. Lankford was born on January 13, 1957 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She spent her childhood in Miami, Florida, moved to Connecticut during high school and graduated from Annhurst College in Woodstock with an Associate of Sciences degree. She moved to Georgia in 1978, and began her longtime career with AT&T. There she met her late husband, Ben Steven Lankford, whom she was faithfully married to for 27 years. She was a dedicated and loyal employee for 36 years at AT&T until her death. As a longtime member of The Church of the Good Shepherd in Cumming, GA, Sandy showed her servant's heart by teaching religious education while her daughter grew up in the Catholic faith,and volunteering many years for the Senior Youth Group. It also brought her great joy to serve as a member of The Hand Bell Choir and performing during Mass. Sandy loved spending time with her daughter and daughter's fianc , being with her family, dancing Zumba at the Forsyth County Parks and Recreational Center, leading North Forsyth's Girl Scout Troop 40, reading, music, and being outside with nature. Always leading by example, Sandy was a religious, moral, honest woman. Always teaching, she raised her only daughter. Always giving, she put others' needs before her own. Always singing, she brought light into everyone's life. She will be missed by all. Mrs. Lankford is preceded in death by her mother, Florence Torraca Parks, brother Regis George Parks II, and husband Ben Steven Lankford. She is survived by her only child, Marina Leigh Lankford of Forsyth County, father Regis George Parks, Forsyth County; sisters Mary Jane Parks, Safety Harbor, FL, Doreen Dawn Parks, Atlanta, GA, and Kathy Parks McJenkin, Sharpsburg, GA; brothers Raymond Edward Parks, Marble Falls, TX and Ronald Regis Parks, Ocala, FL. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mrs. Lankford's vigil service will be held at McDonald and Son Funeral Home on Thursday September 25th from 6:00 pm to 8:00. Reverend Francis X. Richardson will lead a Church Service to be held at The Catholic Church of the Good Shepherd on Friday, September 26th at 1:00 p.m. where Nancy Smith, music director, and the Hand Bell Choir will play in Mrs. Lankford's honor. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to a church of your preference or to The American Heart Association. Condolences may be expressed on-line at www.mcdonaldandson.com. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home, 150 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, GA 30040 770-886-9899