Cheryl Lankford Oral History interview

Cheryl Lankford, owner and director of the Lankford Funeral Home in DeLand, eloquently describes her life growing up in the city she loves, the experiences she has had, and her insight into the changes that have occurred in West Volusia. In this oral history interview Cheryl describes herself as a “Cracker” - born in DeLand at Fish Memorial Hospital and a life-long Florida resident. Cheryl’s dad, Clyde Lankford, opened the Lankford Funeral Home in 1973 on E. New York Avenue, and it remains a mainstay business in the heart of DeLand. Cheryl became a member of the staff at a young age but laughs about being “fired” by her dad one time. Though surprised, she moved to another town, worked in a corporate funeral business and developed, she states, into a more compassionate person. Eventually she returned to Lankford’s, and after her father passed away in 2000, Cheryl bought out her brother’s interest and became the sole owner. Cheryl’s interview closes with her reflection on the importance of giving back to your community and her advice to today’s youth is to stay the course you feel is best and strive to become the person you want to be.