Services of remembrance for Mrs. Colis Mildred Williams Hankerson, March 21, 1921-January 20, 1995, Tuesday, January 24, 1995, 3:30 p.m., Gilbert-Lambuth Chapel Paine College, Augusta, Georgia, presiding, Reverend Willie Jackson, pastor, Piney Grove Baptist Church

for
21, 1921 - Januar 20, 1995
Tuesday, January 24, 1995 3:30 P.M.
Augusta, Georgia * * * *
PRESIDING Reverend Willie Jackson, Pastor
Piney Grove Baptist Church

A woman possessing the gifts of deep understanding and ofcomplete unselfishness.
An able teacher who imparted the essence of truth and beauty.
An enthusiasticfriend \vho communicated the warmth andfascination oflife.
Because she has so gladly and generously given, through her untiring strength and sturdiness, encouragement and an appreciation of values;
Because she has helped us to see the pleasant meadows beyond the rugged hilltops;
Because she has brightened the highways and byways of so many lives . . .
(Excerpts of the invitation celebrating her retirement, Dec. 1984)
"To teach is to touch a lifeforever"

(Writer o

v

Reverend Willie Jackson - Presiding

Pastor, Piney Grove Baptist Church

Processional ...................... "Holy, Holy, Holy"
Prayer ........................ .... Rev. Nathaniel Irvin
Selection ........ .... Thankful Baptist Church Gospel Choir
Scriptural Readings Old Testament ...................... Rev. J. S. Wright Pastor, Macedonia Baptist Church New Testament.................... Rev. Willie Jackson
Selection ........ .... Thankful Baptist Church Gospel Choir
Remembrances (Two Minutes, Please) Minister - Rev. Willie Jackson Neighbor - Mr. George Rhaney Friend - Mr. Jerry Dickerson Teacher - Dr. Charles Cain Principal - Mr. Marion Barnes
Co-Worker - Rev. Dr. Nathaniel Dunn
Solo .......................... Mr. Hawthorne Welcher "IfI Can Help Somebody"
Acknowledgements ................. Dr. Lillie B. Johnson
Solo .......................... Mrs. Maxine F. Newberry "His Eye Is On The Sparrow"
Eulogy ............................ Rev. Charles Stokes
Pastor, Grace Covenant Baptist Church Atlanta, Georgia
Solo ................................. Rev. Larry Fryer "Precious Lord"
Recessional .............................. "He Is God"
Interment ........................ Cedar Grove Cemetery

Repast at the Residence

"Farewell My Family "
Farewell myfamily, dont weep For Im at peace now, just asleep. Farewell myfamily, Im not alone The Mighty "Maker" has led me safely home. Just think back over the many years, How the family seemed so strong, holding back tears. Yet God somehow always made a way And I thanked Him every nightfor another day. Be good myfamily, always love each other Be strong myfamily, strong in heart The blood ties, no one can ever part. And ifsomewhere I made a mistake As you live many will you make. Farewell myfamily, Ive been called away.
Walk with God, trust in God For He is by your side.
* * * *
A Family Prayer
Oh, Lord, be gentle with her. Be merciful and kind;
For she was loved so dearly By those she left behind,
Walk slowly with her, Lord, As you take her to the Promised Land.
Stay ever by her side, Sing sweetly in her ears And when she cries ofmissing us Gently wipe away her tears. And, Lord, when what weve asked is done, We pray our hearts you II touch, And let her know we love her so, And we miss herjust as much.

CDbttuarg
March 21, 1921 was not only the first day of spring that year, it was also the birthdate of Colts Mildred Williams. She was born to Henry Kermit and Jessie Fouch Williams in Lincoln County, Georgia. Mildred, as she preferred to be called, was the ninth of twelve siblings, of which all but one preceded her in death.
Mildred received her early education at the Baconville School and the Immaculate Conception High School in Richmond County. She graduated from Paine College in June, 1941. Her graduate studies were done at New York University in Education.
Her 43-year teaching career began in Bainbridge, Georgia where she also met her spouse of 47 years, Benjamin Hankerson. Their family was completed upon the births of two children: Colis Benita and the late Benjamin Eric.
Moving "home" to Augusta, Mildred continued her teaching career at the Peter H. Craig Elementary School. She was a member of the first faculty of A. R. Johnson Junior High School, where she was also recognized as Richmond Countys Teacher-of-the-Year in 1964. She left A. R. Johnson to become one of the first teachers at the new T. W. Josey High School, from which she retired in 1984.
A firm belief in God Almighty led her to join the Piney Grove Baptist Church at an early age.
Mrs. Colis Mildred Williams Hankerson still lives through her "children" the generations of students whose lives she touched from elementary through high school. These former students are her living legacy.
Other loving family members who will forever cherish her memories include: a brother, George Burroughs Williams; son-in-law, John W. Ivey; three grandchildren, Johnathan William, Marc Hankerson and Benjamin Frederic Ivey; sisters-in-law, Rosa Harris Williams, Ethel Williams, Laura Baker, Janie Lowe, Rosa B. Williams, Ann Eva Williams, and Mary Frances Brathwaite; brothers-in-law, Rufus Lowe, Leo Baker, Albert Hankerson, Thomas Hankerson; nieces and nephews, Henry (Edna) Williams, Ernestine (Jimmy) Prentiss, Mattie Pearl Williams, Dennis Hankerson, Jacqueline Bennette Hankerson, Richard Williams, Joyce Ann (Gabriel) Dejoie, Rosa Susan Lowe, Thomas Hankerson, Miles (Loretta) Williams, Debbie Bennett, Reginald (Charlotte) Brathwaite, Charles Baker, and Karl Hankerson; and a host of grand nieces and nephews, cousins, God children, and dear friends.

(Eriimies
TO MY GRANDMOTHER (A Simple Farewell)
Through the years you have been there forme. So this is to let you know that I thank you, and I love you. Grandma, thank you for helping me with homework, and teaching me the rights from the wrongs. I will deeply miss you Grandmother, but I know you are in a better place now. I will see you one day.
Farewell Grandmother, farewell.
LOVE, JOHNATHAN
* * * *
TO MY GRANDMOTHER
I loved my grandmother, because she was always there for me. Though sick or in good health, no matter what the case may be. I loved her for the unusual things shed do, like throwing books or plates. Oh how I wish I could see her walk through the pearly gates. I loved her for her beauty, even when smiling or frowning, I loved the delicious food she cooked, especially her brownies. I loved my grandmother the way she moved and felt, Oh how I loved her, even with that leather belt. I loved her in every way, because she was so perfect and firm. On a scale from one to ten, shed have to be "dime". I wish there was some way, to give back to her unselfishly Because I love my grandmother, and she was always there for me.
MARC H. IVEY
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From Benji To Grandpa
Dear Grandpa, I know that you are lonely without Grandma. She was the best she could be. So when she got old and had a stroke, the Lord wanted her. But I wasnt expecting her to die. You have to go on to the real world, and I love my Grandma. She was Johnathan and Marcs longer than she was mine. She helped me with my homework, and because she helped me, I had a "B" on my report card. I lovedyou Grandma, but she had to go.
LOVE, BENJI

MOTHER,
As you laid on your bed I watched you and reflected on all the times weve shared. Youve been my mother, teacher, counselor, confidant, and most of all my best friend. Your "lessons" through example have given me courage and strength to face any situation. Ive not always followed your advice to a "T" but your "basics" have always been there.
Your patience, exuberance, thirst for knowledge, gentle firmness and stamina have molded my life as well as the great number of students, friends and co-workers you have come in contact with over the years.
At any given time I can vividly remember a very humorous or a serious "episode " in mine or Erics lives.
Mother, youll never realize just how proud and happy I am when someone recognizes me as your daughter. The "learned" lessons will never be forgotten and I just know in my heart that my new guardian angel will guide me always.
For the teachings, guidance, caring, sharing, believing, supporting and loving, I shall always be grateful to God and thankful to you that you are my mother.
Ill love you always, COLIS

Charles E. Baker Reginald B. Brathwaite Jerry Dickerson Reginald M. Gilbert

Dennis R. Hankerson Karl V. Hankerson Henry K. Williams Miles L. Williams

Former and Present Faculty of T.W. Josey High School

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T.W. Josey Class of 1971

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Paine College Class of 1941

The Hankerson family wishes to extend a very special thank you for the cards, calls, food, visits, and prayers that have been extended to us. Your special acts of kindness have provided a great deal of comfort during the time of our loss. We pray that God will bless you and your families always.
* * * *

Im Free

Dont grieve for me, for now Im free Imfollowing the path God has laidyou see.
I took His hand when I heard His call 1 turned my back and left it all.

-'' -'".. --:.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief Dont lengthen it now with undo grief Lift up your heart, and peace to thee God wanted me now, He set me free.
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DENTS UNDERTAKING ESTABLISHMENT

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In Charge OfServices