Deacon Willie Hankins, Jr.

Deacon Willie Hankins, Jr., departed life on earth, Sunday morning, November 11, 2012 after a short illness at Cook Senior Living Center in Adel, Georgia.

He was born on May 13, 1938 to the late Willie Hankins, Sr. and the late Willie Mae Mitchell Hankins.

He attended the public schools in Lowndes County. He was a faithful member of Tabernacle Church of God in Christ, where he served as a deacon.

He was employed as a Police Sergeant with the Valdosta Police Department, where he retired after 32 years of service.

He is preceded in death by one sister: Mary Francis Hankins Smith.

He was united in Holy Matrimony to Ida Baker and to that union, one son was born: Michael DeWayne Hankins (Thyjuan) of El Paso, TX. To a previous marriage, five children were born: LaSaundra Sirmans of Valdosta, GA, Willie Hankins III (Ella) of Macon, GA, Cheryl Brown of Sumter, SC, Gregory Hankins of San Diego, CA and Cynthia Hatcher (Jeff) of Orlando, FL. He also has three step-sons: Ventrus Boyd (Jeanie) of Tucson, AZ, Mark Baker of Clarksville, TN and Rollen Baker (Sharon) of Fort Mitchell, AL.

In addition to his loving wife and children, he leaves to cherish his memories, three brothers: Curtis Hankins (Margie) and Freddie Hankins (Minnie) of Valdosta, GA and Leroy Hankins (Kathy) of Rochester, NY, Nineteen grandchildren, Nine great-grandchildren, one god-sister: Letha Rolley of Valdosta, GA; seven sisters-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The homegoing celebration for Deacon Willie Hankins, Jr. will be held Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 2:00pm from the sanctuary of Tabernacle Church of God in Christ.

Supt. Johnny E. Bradley will officiate.

Burial will follow at the Sunset Hill Cemetery