Elizabeth Porter Hankins

Elizabeth Hankins Obituary

ELIZABETH PORTER HANKINS, 61, of Memphis, died at her home on Saturday, November 26, 2005. She was born April 15, 1944 in Oxford, MS and retired in 2003 from 35 years of teaching English and creative writing at Germantown High School. As the first AP English teacher in Shelby County, she touched the lives of thousands of students. The first creative writing teacher in Shelby County Schools, she wrote and published poetry. She also taught the literary journalism class that published the Iconoclast, Germantown High School's locally and nationally recognized literary magazine. Twice a scholar at The Bread Loaf Writers Conference in Middlebury, VT, she was presented the Tennessee State Award for Excellence in the Teaching of English and Language Arts by the Tennessee Council of Teachers of English in 2003. Her degrees included a Master of Education and a Master of Arts in English from the University of Memphis. An avid sportswoman, she loved the outdoors and spending time flyfishing and hunting. She is survived by a daughter, Paige Hankins Holley; a son, Neil Hankins; a grandson, Taylor Holley; a granddaughter, Madison Holley; son-in-law, C. J. Holley; and her beloved pet "Annie." In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Memphis Humane Society of a charity of the donor's choice. A cemetery memorial will be held in Water Valley, MS. Canale Funeral Directors 901-452-6400

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Published by The Commercial Appeal on Nov. 29, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Elizabeth Hankins

Sponsored by Randy Padawer, a grateful student.

10 Entries

Abby Reiter, GHS class of '03

June 15, 2021

Just received my acceptance to Bread Loaf with a full scholarship for this summer (2021). I owe it entirely to Ms. Hankins. I would do anything to be able to call her and tell her. I am so grateful. It took me long enough but I got there, Ms. Hankins!

Julia Stoll

December 8, 2005

Ms. Hankins was the only teacher I have ever met who could use her knife-sharp wit and sarcasm to tear a student's work apart, and in the end earn their love and respect for what she forced them to achieve. She was an incredible teacher who wasn't afraid of anything, and if she was here right now, she'd probably force us to take down this loving tribute to her, shouting "NO CHEESE!!" and pointing to her list of poetry rules. But cheesy or not, we love you Ms. Hankins, you're amazing.

Sherrye Harris Wadlington

December 7, 2005

Ms. Liz Hankins was one of the best teachers I have ever known. She pushed me to reach heights that I never thought I could reach. She would listen to a crazy teenager and somehow understand the trials of the time. She will be missed!

Abby Reiter

December 6, 2005

I am forever changed by my time with Mrs. Hankins. I learned so much from her, and I am so grateful that I got the chance to know her at all. I will miss her terribly, and I will never forget her.

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Beverly Goodale Butler

December 1, 2005

Mrs. Hankins was an amazing teacher and friend. It was a privilege to be in one of her first Honors english classes (76-77). She challenged me to think outside the box and to accept people for who they are. To her family and friends, I know this is a terrible loss for you. I will be thinking of you.

katie fort

November 30, 2005

Liz was amazing and inspirational. She was an outstanding teacher, a feminist's feminist and a clown. She was so sharp and so witty and so generous with her wisdom. She had the answer to every question. I hope she knows how much I loved her and that she cut a wide,wide swathe. I am so grateful to have known her. I've spent no small amount of time trying to write as beautifully as Liz. Now if I can only live as beautifully as Liz.

Jenny McLendon

November 30, 2005

I will always be thankful to Ms. Hankins for helping me grow as a writer. In high school, it was short stories and college essays. Today it's reports on the evening news. But I still see the image of her 10 rules for creative writing on the chalkboard every time I put pen to paper. We are all lucky to have known such a wonderful lady.

Mark Matlock

November 30, 2005

Liz, for all the lives you touched, for all the careers you spawned, for all the words you created, there is no greater reward than your place in heaven. "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes and death shall be no more. Neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former world has passed away." God speed, our sweet Liz.

Jean Fout

November 29, 2005

My daughter, Lauren, is one of the many students touched by Mrs. Hankins in AP English. She was a wonderful teacher and loved by her students.

Bob Meadows

November 29, 2005

Liz, you will be greatly missed. "See ya when we get there."

Bob

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