Julia Riggs Lansford, 86, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2026, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on July 1, 1940, in Black Rock, Arkansas, Julia was a lifelong resident of Jonesboro and a cherished pillar of her community. After graduating from Jonesboro High School, she earned her Bachelor of Music Education in Vocal Performance from Arkansas State College (now Arkansas State University). She then married the love of her life, James Lansford, and together they moved to Denton, Texas, where she earned her Master of Music in Opera Performance from North Texas State University in 1964, followed by post-graduate studies at the Summer Vocal Institute in Freiburg, Germany.

A mezzo-soprano of extraordinary talent, Julia was affectionately known as "The Voice of A-State." Throughout her career, she received prestigious recruitment offers from opera companies, artistic directors, and talent managers across New York and Europe. Yet, out of love for her students, family, and hometown, she chose to return to her alma mater, a decision that shaped the cultural fabric of Arkansas for over six decades.

Julia served for 44 years as an Associate Professor of Music, Voice Chair, and Opera Director at Arkansas State University, retiring in 2008 as Emeritus Professor and later being honored as Distinguished Professor (2014) and A-State Distinguished Alumna (2010). Even while maintaining a full university studio, she enjoyed a stellar performance career, soloing with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Arkansas Opera Theatre, Memphis Opera Theatre, Lincoln Center, the Bach Festival in Michigan, and performing twice at the White House. Her wide-ranging operatic repertoire included classic masterpieces as well as prominent contemporary works, such as performing the role of Marie in Harold Farberman and Barbara Fried’s opera, The Losers under the direction of John Houseman and performed at the Juillard Theater in New York City. Among her proudest career accomplishments were her students, who went on to grace Broadway stages, Grammy- and Tony-winning groups, university faculties, and public school music classrooms across the state and nation.

Following her retirement, Julia turned her talents toward leading music programs for individuals with special needs. These include Vocal Connection and the annual concert series The Role of Music in the Lives of Special Needs Children and Adults, a chapter of her life she called the most fulfilling work she had ever done. She was honored with the 2009 Arkansas Governor's Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement, was nominated to the Arkansas Women's Hall of Fame, and supported future musicians by endowing a university vocal scholarship funded through sales of her popular community cookbooks.

Julia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Lansford.

She is survived by her devoted son, Jonathan Lansford of Jonesboro; her brothers, Danny (Joyce) Glenn and Donny (Nancy) Glenn; her loving nieces and nephews: Stacy (Andy) Blackston, Stephanie (Troy) Robertson, Ryan (Sara) Glenn, Cory (Amanda) Glenn, and Jeffrey (Verena) Glenn; and her cherished great-nieces and great-nephews: Drew (Lindsey) Blackston and Reese Blackston; Winton Robertson; Emery and Camden Glenn; Audrey, Allie, and Leah Glenn; and Sabina Glenn, along with extended family, countless former students, and dear friends whose lives were touched by her song and kindness.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2026 at Southwest Church of Christ from 5-7 pm. Funeral service will be held the following day, Friday, October 30, 2026 at 11 am at Southwest Church of Christ with Jimmy Adcox officiating. Burial will follow the service at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Gregg-Langford Bookout Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites friends, former students, and all whose lives Mrs. Lansford touched to honor her memory through a gift to one of two causes she held dear.

Mrs. Lansford believed that music belonged to everyone, and she lived that belief both in the classroom and in the community. For those who wish to celebrate her legacy at Arkansas State University, contributions may be made toward the Julia Lansford Performance Hall, a new rehearsal and performance space in the A-State Department of Music opening January 2027. Gifts of any size will help ensure that generations of young singers and musicians find their voices in a room bearing her name. To give, visit astate.edu/give/give-now.html, email echudy@astate.edu, or call (870) 972-2941.

For those moved by her dedicated work with adults with developmental disabilities, the family also welcomes gifts to The Learning Center of Northeast Arkansas (TLC), where Julia spent years sharing her love of music through voice lessons and performances. Your gift will help TLC continue its mission of empowering individuals to learn, grow, and live with greater independence. Donations may be made at tlcnea.com.

Whether through song, scholarship, or simple human kindness, Julia Lansford spent her life lifting others. A gift in her memory is a beautiful way to carry that spirit forward.