Carolyn McKenney Hankins

CAROLYN McKENNEY HANKINS, 92

LAKELAND - Mrs. Carolyn McKenney Hankins, 92, was reunited with many of her loved ones when she journeyed to Heaven on Saturday, March 19, 2011.
Mrs. Hankins was born to Charles and Clara McKenney on October 23, 1918 in Lake Monroe, FL. During World War II, Mrs. Hankins joined the Young Women's Association which helped fill the jobs soldiers vacated to fight the war. In 1941 she became the first woman police officer in Sanford, FL, and is also thought to be Florida's first female police officer. A year later, she was promoted to Desk Sergeant.
On August 12, 1944, she married the love of her life, Everett Hobart Hankins, who spent the rest of his life cherishing her and spoiling her. Mrs. Hankins lovingly accepted Mr. Hankins's daughter from a previous marriage, Leatrice Hankins Vinson, and later gave birth to the couple's two children, Everett Lloyd Francis Hankins and Doris Hankins Ross.
In 1950, the family made Lakeland, FL their home, where Mrs. Hankins lived until she moved to Clearwater Beach in 2005. Mrs. Hankins was a homemaker for most of the years her children attended school, working as a clerk in small claims court and at a teachers' credit union late in their education. After Mr. Hankins's death in 1971, Mrs. Hankins became a sought after and popular babysitter to children who are now among Lakeland's leaders.
Mrs. Hankins was a proud, honest, compassionate, firm, gentle, independent, Southern lady whose love for her family was selfless, abundant and strong. Her passions included gardening, reading, children, Democratic politics, storytelling and her dogs Deja and Misty.
Mrs. Hankins was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Clara McKenney, siblings, James, Robert, Charles, Carl, Clara McKenney, and Nattie McKenney Odell, husband Everett Hobart Hankins, and grandson, Donald Vinson.
She is survived by her daughters, Doris Hankins Ross (Bill), Clearwater Beach, FL, Leatrice Hankins Vinson (Don), Virginia Beach, VA, son, Everett Hankins Elgin, SC, sister in law, Mildred McKenney, Ocilla, GA, grandchildren, Shannon Ross Shepp, Lakeland, FL, Brandon Hankins Fayetteville AK, Erica Hankins, Troy, NY, Jessica Hankins San Francisco, CA, Diane Vinson Cayton, Virginia Beach, VA, great-grandsons, William Alan Shepp, Lakeland, FL and Michael Vinson, Virginia Beach, VA, and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Friday, March 25, 2011 at 10:00 am, services at 11:00 am at Heath Funeral Chapel 328 South Ingraham Avenue, Lakeland, FL.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.heathfuneralchapel.com