Osceola Ann Hankins

Osceola Ann Hansberry Hankins also known as Bonnie and Aunt Bunny departed this life on Thursday April 14, 2011. Osceola was born Annie Osceola Hansberry in Bessemer, AL on 3/5/1927. She later changed her name to Osceola Ann Hansberry because she preferred Osceola as her first name. She was the daughter of the late Oscar Henry and Annie Osceola Aldridge Hansberry. She was the third of four children, which included siblings, Oscar Aldridge, Clara Marina and George Martin. Wife of the late Louis T. Hankins. She is survived by her children, Louis O. Hankins (Jocelyn R. Everett) and Charles M. Hankins and niece Ramona Davis. She is also survived by grandchildren Esme Hankins, Emry Hankins, Nia Allen, Tony Webster, Scottie Tillery, Cameron Brown, and Brandon Hernandez as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Her father and family fled the KKK and moved to New Orleans at a very early age abandoning the family music business. After completing high school at McDonough 35, she attended Xavier University and completed her Baccalaureate studies at Southern University at the age of 19. She went on later to attend George Washington University and received a Master's degree in Early Education Guidance Counseling. She married Louis Toney Hankins on 5/1/1952 after which they moved to Washington , DC and started their family. She joined Simpson church when they moved to Washington DC which later became Simpson-Hamline United Methodist Church. Osceola was an active member of Simpson-Hamline United Methodist Church and numerous organizations within that church. All of her free time was spent with her grandchildren. She had worked as an elementary school teacher in Louisiana, Baltimore Public School System and the District of Columbia Public School (DCPS) System and also worked for Headstart program. She retired as an elementary school counselor from the DCPS. She will be fondly remembered by all that knew her for wise counsel, laughter, unconditional support and unparalleled dedication which was extended to family, and friends. The funeral service will be held on Monday April 25 at Simpson-Hamline United Methodist Church, 4501 16th St NW Washington, DC 20011 at 11:00am. Rev. Dr. Yvonne Mercer-Staten officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00am. Internment will be at Harmony Memorial Park. Arrangements by Marshall-March Funeral Home 4217 Ninth Street NW Washington, DC 20011

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Osceola Ann Hankins

March 5, 1927 - April 14, 2011