Carolyn Lankford sees Madison as a caring, friendly town. She relocated her business, Lankford & Battle Allstate Insurance Agency, to Madison more than 20 years ago. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – Growth potential for her small business led Carolyn Lankford to move to Madison more than 20 years ago.

She is agency owner of the Lankford & Battle Allstate Insurance Agency.

“Madison has a wonderful sense of community where everyone is friendly and genuinely cares about each other,” Lankford said. “It’s amazing to see how much Madison has grown in the last 20-plus years since I’ve had my Allstate agency here.”

A Knoxville native, Lankford grew up in Huntsville and graduated from Lee High School. “I made my way to Madison because of the growth opportunity for my agency and have enjoyed having my business here,” Lankford said.

She earned a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and a master’s degree at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

“I’m in the school-based mentoring program through Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Alabama and enjoy the time I get to spend with my ‘Little,’ Adrijana, a fifth-grader at University Place Elementary School,” Carolyn said.

In addition, she is very active with Women’s Economic Development Committee (WEDC) and Huntsville Rotary Club.

Her husband Mike is retired. Daughter Justine Antoine, an occupational therapist, lives in New Orleans. Their daughter Lauren Battle of Huntsville works with her mother at Lankford & Battle Agency. Lauren and Drew Battle have one son, George.

“I love spending time with my two dachshunds, Bella and Lena, who are 11 years old,” Carolyn said.

When listening to music, she “is still a big fan of Motown! But, I also enjoy country music,” Lankford said.

When dining out in Madison, Cork & Crust and Old Black Bear Taproom are two of Lankford’s favorite eateries.