Annie Ruth married Earl Lankster, and together they welcomed one child. Her life was rooted in faith and family, and those who knew her will remember the steady devotion she brought to the people and places she loved. She found deep meaning in church life, including teaching Sunday school, and she also shared her gift for music—singing with the Sutherland Family Trio and singing at many churches.
Family time was among her greatest joys. She will be remembered for her laughter, for the warmth of family get-togethers, and for the comfort she brought to others through the food she was known for—especially her famous chicken and dumplings and biscuits.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Essie; her brothers, Jimmy, Bill, and Frank; her sisters, Thelma, Helen, and Frances; her husband, Earl; her great granddaughter, Kaitlyn Smith; and her grandson, Robert Darren Sutherland.
She is survived by her daughter, Wanda Holder, and son-in-law Jack; her granddaughter, Shelly Grant, and her husband David; her great grandsons, Duston Sutherland and his wife Jessica, and Connor Smith; and her great-great-grandchildren, Dawson and Kaitlyn Sutherland.
Visitation will be held at Grove Hill Funeral Home, 3920 Samuell Blvd, Dallas, TX 75228, on October 15, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm. A Funeral Service will follow at Grove Hill Funeral Home on October 15, 2026, from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm. A Committal Service will take place at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, 1000 S Highway 175, Seagoville, TX 75159, on October 15, 2026, from 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm.
