Kimberly Ann Whitehead-Lankford

On the early morning of June 23, 2023, Kimberly Ann Whitehead-Lankford passed away peacefully at Johns Hopkins with her loving mother Deborah Ann Whitehead at her bedside. Throughout Kimberly’s long struggle in the hospital, she was constantly surrounded by people who loved her deeply including her husband, father, son, daughter, and some close friends.

Kimberly was born on September 2, 1972, in Takoma Park Maryland, her parents are John Louis Whitehead and Deborah Ann Stephens. Kimberly grew up in Prince Georges County in the city of Upper Marlboro MD with her sister Linda Maurie Powell and brother-in-law Douglas Powell. Kimberly graduated from Gwynn Park High School in 1990 and is survived by her mother, father, husband, Daughter Deborah Christine Lankford, and son Robert Bowie Lankford III. Kimberly’s three grandchildren were one of her pleasures in life, Molly Ann Lankford, Christian John Lankford, and Elizabeth Lee Lankford. Kimberly’s family is a very important part of her life, the love she shared with them will last for eternity. She leaves behind three nieces and one nephew and lots of close cousins, aunts and uncles. Kimberly’s presence will be deeply missed by everyone because of the joy she provided for all of us.

Kimberly discovered her love for animals early in her life, she showed horses as a young girl and later dogs participating in the Westminster Dog Show as a dog handler. Kimberly and her mother bred and raised Labrador Retrievers and showed them professionally for years. Eventually Kimberly became a professional dog groomer working at Companions of Washington DC. She contributed to Fidos for Freedom by donating dogs with her mother to help people with disabilities. Later in her life she worked as an office manager of a family medical practice. In 1999 she was married to Robert Bowie Lankford and moved to Annapolis Maryland with her daughter Deborah Christine Lankford. When she became pregnant with her son Robert Bowie Lankford III her grandfather purchased property in Upper Marlboro close to her family and deeded some land to her. Kimberly became the contractor and built her family home where she lived till her death.

Kimberly continued breeding Labrador Retrievers for several years after moving back to Upper Marlboro. Unfortunately, after a few years we noticed that her health had started to decline, and she had to discontinue breeding dogs because of the toll it had on her. Kimberly eventually had to see a cardiologist because of atrial fibrillation and was diagnosed with Heterotrophic Cardio Myopathy, a genetic disorder of her heart. As her heart condition became worse Kimberly was required to have an ICD implanted to regulate her heart rhythm. Although her health was suffering, she wanted to contribute to the family so Kimberly started boarding and grooming dogs. The joy she had from having so many supporters who helped her organize her boarding and grooming business seemed to reinvigorate her. Every time she would get a new dog to board, or groom was like Christmas morning to her. Kimberly formed a lasting bond between the dogs and their owners, so she will be missed by her extended dog family.

The family will receive friends at Lee Funeral Home Calvert, 8200 Jennifer Lane, Owings, MD 20736 on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm where a Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 pm in the Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic Cemetery, 1601 W Mount Harmony Road, Owings, MD 20736.

In lieu of flowers if you wish to contribute to your favorite animal charity or one that helps those with disabilities, Kimberly would love you for it. Kimberly’s heart may have been sick, but she always had the ability to help those that needed it. She was dedicated to helping anyone who needed it and she seemed to spread love freely without asking for anything in return. Kimberly was one of the people you will never forget and will always love.