Pastor D. Hankins

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV) Birth to Eternity Rev. Willie D. Hankins went from labor to reward January 31, 2012. He was born June 17, 1939 in Tuscumbia, Ala. the oldest child of the late Novella Horrison and the late Harry D. Hankins. He gave his life to Christ at an early age and joined the Cave Springs Missionary Baptist. His songs of praise echoed and ministered through-out the Muscle Shoals area with various choirs and quartets. Called to Serve Willie D “Nan”, spent his childhood and young adult life in Muscle Shoals Alabama, where his walk with God began. He attended Elementary, Middle and High School in Alabama. He made the decision to serve his country at the age of 17 and enlisted in the United States Army in 1956 and was honorably discharged in 1959. The calling Willie D. had on his life led him to Michigan. He united with New Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, where he served in leadership under the direction of the late Rev. M.T. Thompson Sr., as Male Chorus Director, Sunday School Teacher, Trustee, and Deacon. While serving faithfully in ministry he was called to preach the gospel. The Lord gave him a vision and he started a small mission at his home. The vision he birthed manifested itself along with a handful of faithful members to 1210 N. 9th Street; later was named the Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor Hankins was elevated to “Emeritus” status due to illness, after serving for 28 years at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church. In 1987, he was elected President of the Saginaw Valley Baptist District Congress of Christian Education where served for 10 years. He also served as Vice Moderator of the Saginaw Valley District Congress. He was employed at General Motors, Malleable Iron retiring in 1989 after 25 years of service. “The measure of a man is the fruits he bears and the legacy he leaves.” He married Ellen Crawley in 1961, his soul-mate and friend for 51 years. Rev. Hankins is the father of four children, Shelaine Parrish, Deloris (Charles) Jarmon, Cynthia Brackett, and Michael Hankins. Six grandchildren, Ariese Trice, Keawna Douglas, Ronald Parrish Jr., Vincent Hankins, Tiffanie Jarmon and Charles Jarmon Jr. and six great grandchildren, Kayla Trice, Essence Napier, A’yanna Trice, Clint Douglas Jr., Chloe Pitts and Demari Kellem. Maternal sibling: Sadie Mae Horrison, Andrew Horrison, Waco Horrison, Donnie Horrison, Bonnie Thompson, Margarett Allen, and Angela Horrison-Collier. Paternal sibling: Annie P. Hankins, Kitty Hankins, Dora Hankins, Rebecca Hankins, Charlie (Annie) Hankins, Grover (Christine) Hankins, Larry (Renee’) Hankins and Walter (Michele) Hankins. Others, who celebrate his memory, are aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and cousins. Also, Pastor Robert Harris (special friend) and The Mt. Sinai Church Family, Pastor Marvin T. Smith and The Mt. Olive Church Family, and numerous friends he touched throughout the years. Also, a very special cousin, Henrietta Warren. He was predeceased by his parents, two sisters, Sadie M. Horrison and Margaret A. Allen. Special thank you to, the Staff at Aleda VA Medical Center, and Covenant Cooper ICU and 3rd Floor Staff.

Pastor D. Hankins

June 17, 1939 - January 31, 2012