Shirley Hankins

HANKINS, Shirley R. - Age 87, of Flint Twp., passed away peacefully in her home on November 5, 2022. A memorial service will be held 11 AM Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at Central Church of the Nazarene, 1261 W. Bristol Rd., Flint. The family will receive friends from 4-8 PM Monday at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek. Those desiring may make contributions to Malayka International, P.O. Box 264, Mt. Clemens MI 48046.

Shirley was born on March 12, 1935, in Flint, Michigan to Dixon and Ruth Jackson. Growing up in Flint Township, Shirley graduated from Dye High School where she participated in many sports and was an accomplished pianist. On December 19, 1953 Shirley was married to Robert (Bob) Hankins.  Shirley and Bob began their life together in Louisiana where Bob was stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base for three years.  They returned to Flint Township to raise their family. Shirley was employed by Buick and later, GM Service Parts Operations where she was proud of her many years of service. She and Bob enjoyed their many friends at Bethel Park Free Methodist Church (Church in the Woods) where she was the long-time pianist, Sunday School teacher, and CYC Director.  As retirees, Shirley and Bob took up tennis in Lakeland, Florida and were also active members of Flint Tennis Club. For the past four years they enjoyed their many friends and activities at Woodhaven Senior Community.

Shirley is remembered as a committed Christian who loved the Lord Jesus Christ. She lived her life as a calling to serve God well—as a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to many.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Dixon and Ruth Jackson. Remaining to mourn their loss but celebrate her life are husband, Bob Hankins of Flint; brother Dixon (Carmen) Jackson of Jay,VT; children Bobbie (Dave) Green of Flushing; Dr. Barry (Becky) Hankins of Waco, TX; Bindy Hankins (Duane Albert) of Lexington, NC.  Also surviving are seven grandchildren: Amanda (Nick) Lang of Flushing; Nikki (Julber) Urbina of Lakeland, FL; Dixon (Vanessa) Hankins of Austin, TX; Troy (Jackie) Green of West Bloomfield, MI; Johanna (Charles) House of New Braunfels, TX; Natalie (Aaron) Caldwell of Mooresville, NC; and Nolan (Katie) Krause of Lakeland, FL. In addition, Shirley was very proud of her 18 great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Dr. Grewal and his staff and Hospice nurse Kalie for their friendship, love, and care.