Nola Sergent

Nola Mae (Lankford) Sergent, 92, a lifelong Harlan County resident, died peacefully Wednesday, Sept. 16 at her home in Baxter.

A homemaker, seamstress, committed Christian, and devoted wife to her late husband Don Sergent, Nola was most proud of the titles others knew her by: mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Nola lived simply, taking pleasure in a well-tended vegetable garden, the rich colors of a flower garden, and the rugged beauty of her beloved Appalachian Mountains.

Her simple life, though, was a beacon of light to others. She was an example of Christian love to friends and neighbors and an inspiration to the family she loved deeply and supported unconditionally.

Though not formally educated, Nola loved reading and learning. Growing up in Teetersville, Nola attended the Elcomb school and later Hall High School. She developed a love of reading while in elementary school, recalling in later life that reading the book Black Beauty inspired her to start “reading everything I could find.”

That penchant for learning translated to Nola’s children, grandchildren, and great-children. Due largely to sacrifices made by Nola and her husband, all three of their children completed both undergraduate and graduate college degrees.

Likewise, Nola’s four grandchildren inherited that desire to learn and have completed college degrees that have led to professional careers in education, counseling, and business. Nola’s wide reach extends now to her six great-children, all of whom she loved deeply.

Nola’s family would like extend their appreciation and love to Malissa and Otis Lewis and other friends and neighbors who have helped care for and support Nola during her later years.

Nola is preceded in death by her husband, Don Sergent; her parents, Andrew and Thelma Lankford; two brothers, Roger Lankford, and James Lankford; and two sisters, Loretta Boone, and Barbara Dingus.

She is survived by two sons, Darrell (Cheryl) Sergent, and Don (Becky) Sergent; one daughter, Sharon Sergent; four brothers, Kenny Lankford, Alonzo Lankford, Gary Lankford, and Michael Lankford; four sisters, Billie Hawkins, Sue Covington, Shelia Boatwright-Goodin, and Theresa Miller; four grandchildren, Brian Sergent, Samantha Jackson, Adam Sergent, and Stacy Lawton; six great grandchildren, Myles Jackson, Lennox Sergent, Cora Lawton, Emma Sergent, Leah Sergent, and Nolan Sergent; as well as a host of other family and friends.

The family will receive friends on Monday, September 21st, 2021, from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM in the chapel of Mount Pleasant Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held the same day at 1:00 PM. Interment will follow at Resthaven Cemetery in Keith, Kentucky with friends and family serving as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to either Dolly Parton's Imagination Library or Bluegrass Care Navigators, links to both can be found on this page.

Mount Pleasant Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ms. Nola Sergent.