Marjorie Elise Lanford

Elise was the second child of Harvey Allford (Buss) Persinger and Stella Pearl Plymale Persinger who with her brother Dr. Courtney Persinger predeceased her. Elise graduated in 1952 from Covington High School as a salutatorian. She continued her education at the Medical College of Virginia earning a certificate as an x-ray technician. She worked for several years as an x-ray technician in Beckley, WV. During this time, she met her future husband, Stan Lanford, on a blind date and they soon fell in love. In 1956 they married and she moved with him to San Antonio and Mariana, FL where Stan was stationed as an Air Force pilot. They returned to Roanoke where they started their family.

Stan often gave Elise the lion’s share of credit for raising their four children since early in his career he had to be away from home working long hours. She made managing the household and all the kids’ schedules look easy. She hosted the best family and holiday gatherings even when the numbers grew with grandchildren.

Elise loved flowers. She enjoyed being the “Garden Supervisor” while Stan put her vision into reality. Over the years, she was active in the North Lakes Garden Club, Roanoke Garden Club, and the PEO. She volunteered at the Presbyterian Community Center and with Meals on Wheels. She was an active member of the Northminster Presbyterian Church where she was recently honored with a Presbyterian Women’s Lifetime Achievement award. She also helped with many other church activities throughout her many years at the church. As her children were growing up, she spent time sewing clothes for them and later in life, she would knit sweaters for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Elise is survived by the love of her life and soulmate, Stanard F. Lanford, Jr. She is also survived by her children, Lynn Lanford Kirby (Tom), Kenneth Lanford (Dawn), Marjorie Lanford Cundiff (Greg), and Mike Lanford (Heidi). Grandchildren include Daniel Kirby (Lauren), Evan Lanford, Carly Lanford, Clay Cundiff (Alicia), Trent Cundiff (Emma), Emma Lanford, Ryan Lanford, and a bonus grandchild Morgan Sklar (Chris). Elise’s great-grandchildren include Quinn Kirby, Porter Burnette, Skylar Kirby, Lawson Kirby, Hannah Cundiff, Luke Cundiff, Easton Cundiff, Brycen Cundiff, Camdyn Cundiff and Lane Cundiff. Piper Kirby preceded Elise in death.

The family would like to thank the staff at Brandon Oaks Nursing Facility and Good Sam Hospice for the excellent care she received. She was initially given 3-5 days to live and with their care, she lived 11 weeks longer, which was a blessing to our family.

Visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at the Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5737 Airport Road, Roanoke, VA. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 21 at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 3911 Greenland Ave., Roanoke, VA.

Donations in her name can be made to Northminster Presbyterian Church, 3911 Greenland Ave., Roanoke, VA 24012, or The Presbyterian Community Center, PO Box 12183, Roanoke, VA 24023