Charles Lankford Jr.

On April 1, 1945, Charles Lankford Jr. entered this world in Los Angeles, California, the second of three sons born to Juanita and Charles Lankford Sr. He departed this life peacefully on August 11, 2025, at St. Luke’s Hospital in The Woodlands, Texas, at the age of 80.

Raised in South Central Los Angeles, Charles and his brothers grew up rooted in faith. At an early age, he accepted Christ and was baptized at Miracle Missionary Baptist Church. Those beginnings shaped a lifelong devotion to God and to serving others.

After graduating from John C. Fremont High School in Los Angeles, Charles married his high school sweetheart, Sylvia Hanley. Though their marriage was brief, it reflected his strong sense of family and commitment. He continued his education at Los Angeles Trade–Technical College, where he excelled both academically and as a talented basketball player.

Charles had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and a gift for sharing it. He was a natural teacher, using his captivating voice and thoughtful insights to inspire everyone he encountered. He never sought to impress but rather to uplift, always leaving those around him with something meaningful to carry forward.

Professionally, Charles began his career as a Project Engineer at Hughes Aircraft, where he worked for more than a decade. In 1976, while pursuing a master’s degree in Urban Development at the University of Southern California, he passed the Real Estate Broker’s Exam. By 1978, he opened his own office and established one of the top real estate firms in Inglewood, California. His entrepreneurial spirit expanded to include two real estate franchises and a real estate school, where he mentored and trained countless professionals.

Over time, Charles broadened his business ventures into mortgages, insurance, and securities. During the 1980s, he served as Regional Vice President with A.L. Williams Insurance and later co-founded the Liberty Foundation Insurance Agency. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Charles worked as a Real Estate Adviser to the City of Los Angeles and Sears, always emphasizing the importance of property ownership, business formation, and financial literacy. He dedicated himself to helping young people understand the power of building wealth, encouraging them to establish corporations and access credit wisely.

Charles’ leadership extended to his role as CEO of several companies, including Ultimate Financing Group, What Matters, Inc. (a nonprofit), and Biz Experts, LLC. He also served as a board member for numerous organizations, always lending his wisdom, encouragement, and vision. His influence reached far beyond his businesses—he was a steady presence in the community, respected for his integrity and his unwavering desire to see others succeed.

He was a man of deep faith. Alongside his beloved wife Wilberta “Bert” Lankford, he was a longtime member of Crenshaw Christian Center in Los Angeles before relocating to Spring, Texas, where they continued to serve the Lord until Bert’s passing in 2010.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Juanita and Charles Lankford Sr.; his sister, Patricia Jackson; his beloved wife, Wilberta “Bert” Lankford; and his grandsons, Jeffrey Frey Jr. and Mychal Corbin.

In 2019, Charles met Effie L. Young, and he is lovingly remembered by his life partner and fiancée, with whom he shared many years of love, laughter, purpose, and unwavering partnership. Together they built a life filled with shared dreams, deep trust, and commitment—not only to each other, but to lifting others up. Effie was by his side through it all—his final chapter, his quiet strength, and his enduring legacy. Effie was by his side, along with his daughter Shawn, when he transitioned.

Charles is survived by Bert’s children—Shawn, Tonya, and Terry—whom he embraced and guided as his own, as well as their children and grandchildren: ReAnna Arredondo-Upshur (Weston), Desiree Davis-Clark (TJ), Christopher Kendrick, Isabella Kendrick, Briana Kendrick, and great-grandchildren Anthony Clark, Da’Shan Clark, A’Mya Clark, Ava Upshur, Amelia Frey, and Jeffrey Frey III. He also leaves behind his brothers, Philip Lankford and James Lankford, along with a host of extended family members, friends, colleagues, and mentees whose lives were deeply touched by his generosity, wisdom, and leadership.

Charles’ legacy is one of faith, wisdom, service, and inspiration. He was a devoted husband, life partner, brother, mentor, and friend. He will be remembered for his commitment to empowering others, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his steadfast devotion to God.

The family wishes to express their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this time. Service details are forthcoming.

To honor Charles’ memory, the family asks that friends and loved ones continue his legacy by encouraging and uplifting the youth, fostering education, and promoting property ownership and financial empowerment—causes that were closest to his heart. In doing so, we not only keep his spirit alive but also carry forward the mission he so passionately believed in.