Chestertown - Shirley Ruth Lankford White, 87, passed away on February 11, 2021 in Chestertown, MD. She was born at home in Upper Fairmount to Mary Ruth (Beauchamp) and Charles Anthony Lankford. She grew up among the marshes, mosquitoes, and oyster shell roads of lower Somerset County. She was known for the versatile magic she could perform with a sewing needle and for her joyful spirit, grace, generosity and compassion.
Shirley was educated at the historic Fairmount Academy, Washington High School (Princess Anne, MD), and later in life, Chesapeake College (Wye Mills, MD). She was the women's wear buyer for the Belk-Leggett Company's Chestertown store, and later, after Belk Leggett left Chestertown, she worked for the LaMotte Chemical Company, from which she retired.
She was predeceased by her first husband, Clarence E. (Bluker) Parkinson, and her beloved grandson, Jarred Anthony White. She is survived by her four children: Mary Susanne Hayman, Justin Lankford White, and James Judson White (Mandy and children Alexandria, Emily and Zachary Wegleitner), all of Chestertown, and Charles E. Hayman (Sandy) of Greensboro; granddaughter Courtney E. Riggs (McKenzie) and great-grandson Conner A. Riggs, all of Culpeper, VA.
A private funeral service was held at Beechwood Cemetery, Princess Anne, MD.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Shirley's memory to the Fairmount Historical Association, P.O. Box 133. UpperFairmount,MD21867.