Margaret "Margie" Lankford (Walker), age 89, of Effingham passed away peacefully on March 5, 2025. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose kindness, generosity, and unwavering love touched everyone she met.

A celebration of life for both LaVerl and Margie Lankford will be held on March 15, 2025, at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham, with visitation from 10–11 AM and the funeral to follow with burial at Arborcrest Memorial Park in Funkhouser.  Pagel Funeral Home will be handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to CEFS Meals on Wheels. Online condolences may be shared at www.pagelfuneralhome.com.

Margie was on January 20, 1936, in Effingham, IL, the daughter of Henry and Frances (Kreke) Walker. She spent over 35 years at Martin's IGA in Effingham, where her infectious smile and warm presence made her unforgettable.

On August 4, 1956, she married the love of her life, LaVerl Lankford. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories. Margie found joy in the simple things, keeping a warm and welcoming home, always ensuring everyone was cared for. Her greatest happiness came from the time spent with her grandchildren, whom she adored as their protector, storyteller, and biggest source of unconditional love.

She is survived by her son, Johnny Lankford (Julie) of Sauk City, WI; daughter, Angela James (Richard) of Effingham; siblings, Bob Walker (Vicki) of Effingham, Don Walker (Terry) of Peoria, and Donna Parkhurst of Robinson, IL; grandchildren, Monica Henkelman (Joe) of Effingham, Landon Miller (Megan) of Mason, OH, and Lauren Pearson (Makale) of Vandalia; seven great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, LaVerl Lankford; her parents; and siblings, William "Bill" Walker, John Walker, and Marian Walker Adams.