FACE COVERINGS ARE STILL REQUIRED TO ENTER THE FUNERAL HOME!!!!!!

Memorial Service will be 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at Friendship Baptist Church, 620 Clarendon Avenue, Southport, NC.

Gwendolyn "Mickey" De Saint Hankins came into the world on October 7, 1950, and departed on September 30, 2023.  She was preceded in death by her mother Annie Ruth Hankins, grandparents, Ruth Wilson and George Hankins, aunts, Lizzie Mae Smith, Margaret Hankins, Alneta Eagles, and Gloria Irene Hankins, uncles, George, Jr., Jonathan, and Norman Hankins; and cherished cousins, Gladys Mae Lillard Myrie, Vannessa Smith Elbaum, Marcus Hankins, and Crystal Danita Eagles. Mickey was blessed with her nickname by her grandfather based on her bubbly personality and sense of adventure. She loved spending time with her cousins Gladys Mae Lillard, JoAnn Lillard, and Judy Smith in their grandparents' front yard. She also served as a big sister to Cousin Reginald "Scottie" Hankins who grew up with her as well as Cheryl Eagles. When she wasn't enjoying time with her cousins and following behind her uncles, she thrived as a student at Brunswick County Training School. Prior to graduating in 1968, she was an enthusiastic student. After graduating, she spent a brief period in St. Augustine, Florida, before moving to Washington, D.C. She worked for the United States Air Force and Federal Bureau of Investigations before enrolling at Federal City College in the nursing program. She followed in the footsteps of her mother, a former nurse herself and excelled in her studies. She became a member of Chi Eta Phi nursing sorority. She was fond of sharing a memorable incident that took place during her sorority intake process. She was tasked to stand outside of Garfinkel's, a department store based in DC, selling pencils to teach her humility, a quality good nurses should possess in order to be of service to others. Mickey said after a period of time she had enough so she had a friend purchase all her pencils so she could go home. Mickey graduated with honors in 1977 as a member of Federal City College's first nursing class. During a two-decade nursing career she specialized in geriatric and psychiatric nurses working with numerous state, federal, public, and private hospital systems. Mickey was knowledgeable about all aspect of nursing and continued to impart wisdom and practical advice long after she retired from nursing due to medical reasons. Mickey loved music and had a diverse taste in music including Billie Holiday, Parliament Funkadelic and Arturo Sandoval . She also loved reading Stephen King books, watching westerns, and British comedies including "Are You Being Served?" and "Keeping Up Appearances." She served as a nurturer to all her younger cousins and was close with all, especially Leslie Myrie Jr. She leaves behind to honor her memory her loving daughter La Toya Hankins (Laura Harris), cousins, and sister-friends from across the United States. Special cousins include JoAnn Hester (Noah), Judy Smith Fowler (Jackie), and Joy Smith. She also formed life-long friendships with Pauline Stanley and Chichia Weusi. Other special friends include Ennis Tobler, Tommy Frink, Donnie Joyner, and Wendall Watson. Mickey also leaves behind cherished cousins Emma Jean McCracken and Janice Jackson. In the words of Khalil Gibran who wrote in one of Mickey's favorite books- The Prophet "Love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation." Daughter. Mother. Cousin. Friend Mickey was a brilliant beam of light and love whose memory we will cherish. She will forever dwell in our hearts and minds.