Cheryl Denise (Purvis) Lankford

https://vimeo.com/437730156/6245c73da5

Cheryl was born in Inkster Michigan to Noah Edward Purvis Jr. and Betty Jean Garrison. Cheryl graduated from Riverdale Baptist School in 1989 and attended the University of Maryland where she studied Government and Economics. She married Command Sergeant Major Jonathan Miles Lankford in 1999 and they resided at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. In 2004, they welcomed their son, Jonathan Miles Lankford,Jr. Cheryl lost the love of her life, Command Sergeant Major Jonathan Miles Lankford while serving in Iraq in 2007.

Shortly after the passing of her husband she found Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) where she and her son received grief support and she later volunteered for TAPS to support other widows. Cheryl owned and operated a small business making bath and beauty products. She became a member of the Gold Star Wives of America where she was National Director of Communications and Public Relations. Cheryl had the opportunity to speak at the 2016 Democratic National convention. Cheryl completed countless hours of volunteer services, sand continued to serve even after being diagnosed with cancer.

Every person who knew Cheryl was touched by her, and she was a best friend to anyone she's crossed paths with. You've never wanted to smile faster or hug harder than when spending time with Cheryl. She made such an incredible impact on the lives of so many.

She died on May 3, 2020 in the arms of her sister Erika, leaving behind her son Jonathan Miles Lankford Jr., parents Noah Edward Purvis, Betty Jean Garrison, brother Aaron Edward Purvis, sisters Marla Purvis, Erika Alleyne, Jenny Purvis, Emily Purvis, and Natalie Purvis, nieces and nephews, and a host of aunts and uncles and cousins.

Cheryl's memory will live on in all of us who loved her. Cheryl’s smile lit up a room, her voice always warm and welcoming, her heart filled with love and joy - always a kind word, a big hug and lots of laughter.

Our Beautiful Butterfly

Eulogy for Cheryl Denise Lankford

Sunrise: November 18, 1971 – Sunset: May 3, 2020

We have gathered together to remember the life of a daughter, sister, friend, mother, trailblazer,

and pioneer of sorts. Cheryl Denise Lankford was born on November 18, 1971, in the little town of Inkster, Michigan. Just as those that came before her, she had been pursuing every avenue to fulfill her destiny, literally and figuratively. She lived this life to its very fullest. Cheryl was the youngest of four, born to Noah Purvis Jr. and Betty Jean Garrison. She was also the wife of the late C.S.M. Jonathan Miles

Lankford, Sr., who preceded her in death in 2007. With loving husband she bore a son who at the time of his father's death, was the tender age of two. Jonathan Jr., whom she so affectionately called JJ, short for JonJon, was always by her side and was her biggest supporter. Many times, JJ silently guided and

nurtured his mom through some of the toughest situations in this life. He was always that little ray of light, which was the lamp to lead Cheryl’s way. He, like his father, loved Cheryl with unwavering support. Though JJ is a reserved young man who speaks little, his love is beyond measure. JJ like his father has an adoration for his mom that surpassed all that Cheryl could ever hope for. He literally stepping into his father's boots, without even realizing that was the boost of support in his mother's life that she needed to keep her going. JJ was Cheryl’s reason for fighting every day. Cheryl fought a courageous fight until her

last moments and breath. Cheryl was approximately 5 foot 2 however she was a giant in any arena that she entered. Respectfully, she lived largely and lived on purpose. Most importantly, she lived with tenacity! She devoted her time to helping others that had also lost their loved ones during their military tenure. Once she became a military widow, she selflessly served as Chairperson of Gold Star Families of America on a national level and also devoted her time to TAPS, volunteering in whatever capacity needed to assist families of the fallen. For many that may not know, Gold Star Families refers to families of those who gave their lives while serving our country and T.A.P.S.(Tragedy Assistance Program for

Survivors) is an organization that assists those same families of the fallen as they transition through the stages of grief and healing. These two roles speak volumes to her selfless giving. Cheryl, after being diagnosed with stage four cancer continued to volunteer even up until TAPS Nationals in May of 2019.

Our fondest memories of course came when we are all together. One fond recent memory with Cheryl and "Pops" is when he took the time to prepare a family meal that was so filling that we all had to nap after consuming such a huge smorgasbord. Another memory that comes to mind of our nurturing and compassionate Cheryl was, even though she had return home due to her illness,one instance when mom took a tumble outside, Cheryl not giving a thought to her own challenges and how frail she had become,

immediately ran to mom to comfort and assess mom’s injuries. Cheryl is also survived by her three elder

siblings. Her eldest sister Marla Purvis, (husband Rusty) who Cheryl endearingly called mommy when she was much younger, this was an indicator of their very close bond. Marla embraced her role as the eldest sibling which made Cheryl look up to her all the more. Cheryl is survived by her older brother, aka "Big Brother", Aaron Purvis, (& wife Toni) whom with she also had a close relationship. Aaron had

the opportunity to accompany Cheryl on her many quests seeking a cure and encouraging her to stay strong and continue to fight. Aaron was her "wingman" and sometimes, she was his, which was something she was truly grateful for. Cheryl also leaves behind her older sister Erika (& husband Fred), whom she lovingly called “Sissy”. Erika took on the role of Cheryl’s caregiver for the last six months building their unbreakable bond and sisterhood while keeping her promise to care for her baby "Sissy".

It was a blessing having Cheryl in her home with loved ones as her battle was coming to a close. On May 3, 2020, on a perfect spring afternoon, Cheryl’s battle came to an end. Erika was able to cuddle Cheryl while reminding her of how much she is loved until her very last moments here on earth. We remember Cheryl, as the trailblazing butterfly that always put a twinkle in others eyes, all the while flashing her amazing beautiful smile. She had extra pep in her step, she always had enough to share with whomever

else was in her presence. You could find Cheryl selflessly assisting others who had suffered the same plight as she had herself. Always donning the pearls her love, Jonathan Miles Sr., had given her years before, you could see her gracing the room like a beautiful butterfly dancing through green pastures on a cool spring day. Our beloved Cheryl, our perfect butterfly, may you always dance through the fields of green and be the smile in the sunshine that graces our day. Our beautiful, butterfly soar high, strong,

and bold while in our hearts your sweet memory we will forever hold.