Rilla Mae Lankford

It is with profound sadness and reverence that we announce the passing of Rilla Mae Lankford, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, who passed peacefully on Monday, August 17, 2026, at her home in Powder Springs. Born on November 24, 1940, in Douglasville, Georgia, Rilla was the daughter of the late Lenzie and Pearl Earnest.

Rilla retired as a respected bus driver with the Cobb County School System after 38 years of devoted service, impacting the lives of countless children and families in her community. She was a member of Zion Baptist Church in Dallas, Georgia, where she found strength in her faith.

Rilla enjoyed flowers and sewing in her spare time. Above all, she cherished her family deeply, devoting her time and love to her children and grandchildren.

Rilla is survived by her children, James Lankford (Donna), Ronald Lankford (Kimberly), Eddie Lankford, Tracie Jackson (Steve), and sister Elaine Littleton; son-in-law, Lamar Hall; grandchildren, Michelle Coursey (Ray), Amanda Foiles (Roland), Robert Hall (Carrie), Allison Voyles (Trent), Corey Lankford, Jennifer Maddox (Matt), Kristina Lankford (Tyler), Jessica Williamson (Jermaine), and Zachary Lankford; 16 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

In addition to her parents, Rilla was preceded in death by her husband, Owen Lankford; daughter, Jennifer Lynn Hall; and grandson, Joseph Wayne Maddox.

A visitation for Rilla will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Clark Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Baptist Church in Dallas, Georgia, with Elder, Travis Warren officiating. She will be laid to rest in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers are Robert Hall, Corey Lankford, Austin Delgado, Cole Coursey, Caleb Coursey, and Hunter Voyles. Honorary pallbearers are Leithen Voyles, Owen Hall, and Clyde Langley.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.samclarkfuneralhome.com.

Clark Funeral Home in Hiram, Georgia, is entrusted with the services for Rilla Mae Lankford.