HANA LEE STITH

HANA LEE STITH, 90, of Fort Wayne, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018, at Mount Carmel East Hospital, in Columbus, Ohio, after a short illness. Stith was among the first African-American teachers to be hired by Fort Wayne Community Schools. Stith was an iconic community activist and civil rights leader. She was a lifelong member of Turner Chapel AME Church. Hana was the founder and curator of the Fort Wayne African African American Historical Society and Museum. Hana was a friend and mentor to many. She never missed an opportunity to give and to help. Hana received many local and state awards and commendations for her vast community works, including the coveted "State of Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award" in 2005. She leaves to cherish her memories, her daughter, Robin S. Stith of Columbus; granddaughter, Hanani Taylor of Los Angeles; brother, Danny Jones; sister-in-law, Minnie Bryant; brother-in-law, Warren Stith of New York City; devoted nieces, Danita Jones and Karen Bryant; devoted nephew, Stanley (Beth) Robinson; special cousins, Joanna Patterson Finch and Rosalyn Stith of Columbus, Ohio; special and caring friends, Theronia Starks, Condra Ridley, Patsy Brewer, Lola Curry, Marsha Woods, Patricia Woods Causey, Audrey Woods; and a host of other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Stith; parents, Miles and Viola Mew Bryant; sister, Wilma Ferguson; and brother, Samuel (Bubby) Bryant. Funeral service is 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, at Pilgrim Baptist Church, 1331 Gay St., with viewing beginning at 9 a.m. Entombment in Covington Memorial Gardens. www.ellisfh.com