Debra Sue Lankston

Debra Sue Lankston, 64, of Palestine, IL, died February 20, 2021, at Crawford Memorial Hospital in Robinson, IL. She was born on October 19, 1956, in Dyersburg, TN, the daughter of Edgar Hodge & Sandra Sue (Seaney) Hodge, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her son, Shawn Lankston. She is survived by her grandchildren, Tristan Lankston, Mary Powell, Alex Lankston, Alie Lankston, Kierston Lankston, Niki Lankston, Greg Lankston, and Davion Lankston; by her siblings, Roger & Janet Hodge (Palestine, IL), Cathy & Rick Alderson (Palestine, IL), Sherry & Scott Creed (Palestine, IL), Ed & Diane Hodge (Vincennes, IN), Allen & Angie Hodge (Palestine, IL), and Ashley & Mark Toliver (Robinson, IL); as well as several nieces and nephews. Debbie grew up all over the midwest and southern United States: Tennessee, Alabama, Indiana, and Illinois, before her family finally settled down in Palestine around 1970. From an early age, it was apparent that she wasn't afraid of hard work. She found employment with a number of local businesses, from Hardees and Stewart Security to Empty Pockets and Blended Eatery, where she worked alongside her sister-in-law, Angie. She, as well as anyone who knew her well, could attest to Debbie's prowess in the kitchen. Her smothered beef tips were a small piece of heaven on earth, as was nearly anything else that she cooked up. Her family was often the beneficiaries of her cooking, especially her beloved son, Shawn. They were nearly connected at the hip, and he was her rock, her everything. When he died, she lost a part of herself and felt the sting of his passing every day for the rest of her life. Though she was known to put up a tough front, it was evident that she loved from the depths of her heart. We saw it in the attention she gave to her Boston Terriers and in the way she cared for her little buddy, Davion, and the rest of her family. They had the distinct privilege of watching Debbie get baptized, an outward display of an inward decision she made when she chose to follow Jesus. Because of this decision, we have the assurance that her 64 years on earth were but the beginning in light of everlasting life! A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 25th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine, IL. Under Phase 4 Mitigations, public attendance is allowed, but only up to 50 attendees at a time. Thusly, social distancing measures will be in place, and it will be required that all visitors wear face coverings while in the building. Funeral services will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, with Dave Maxwell officiating.  A live stream of her service can be viewed on Goodwine Funeral Homes' Facebook page or by going to https://www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream . In honor of the love she had for her dogs, memorial contributions may be made to the "Crawford County Humane Society", with envelopes available at the funeral home.