Alma Deen Rankin, was born September 19, 1936 in Abilene, Texas to L.P. (Fats) Rankin and Alma Ellie Rankin. Mrs. Lanford grew up in Zephyr, Texas and graduated from Zephyr High School. She attended Southwest State University and graduated with her Bachelor degree in education. Mrs. Lanford completed her M. Ed at Tarleton State University. She taught school for 35 years. After coming to the Brownwood community in 1971, she taught fourth grade at Northwest Elementary for several years. She also taught school in San Angelo prior to coming to Brownwood.

Mrs. Lanford was a member of Zelta Kappa Gamma, a Rotary Ann, and a member of the Brownwood Women’s Club. She attended Coggin Ave Baptist Church in her later years.  Mrs. Lanford was an artist and her two loves were to paint and sing in the choir. She also enjoyed working in her yard and sewing.

She is survived by her son, Thomas Stone and his wife Barbara of Brownwood; Granddaughter, Christina Knight and her husband David of California; and one Great-grandchild, Logan Knight.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Scott Lanford in 2001, and two brothers, Robert and Buddy Rankin.

The family requests any memorials be made to Alzheimer’s research.

Arrangements under the direction of Davis-Morris Funeral Home, Brownwood, TX.