03/16/16 - NNHS Newsletter

Dear Friends and Schoolmates, There is still more sad news this Wednesday.

Teddy Bowen Hankins, mother of Mary Henley Hankins Thompson, George Hankins ('67), and Howard Hankins, passed away at home in Newport News on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at the age of 93.

			NEWPORT NEWS - We are most thankful for the life of our mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Mary Lucille Bowen Hankins, who died peacefully in her home on March 15, 2016. Mrs. Hankins, the third child of Lucille Cooper Bowen and Howard Wheatley Bowen, was born November 27,1922 at Elizabeth Buxton Hospital in Newport News. She was preceded in death by her "childhood sweetheart" and husband of 57 years, Dr. George Southey Hankins; her brother, William Cooper Bowen; and her sister, Jane French Bowen Houston. Mary Lucille and Suds lovingly raised their three children: Mary Henley Hankins Thompson, married to the late Leroy Edwards Thompson; George Southey Hankins Jr., married to Ann Colonna Hankins; and Howard Bowen Hankins, married to Kelly Hudson Hankins, all of whom will miss her love, laughter and words of wisdom. She is also survived by five grandchildren who called her "Teddy": Marian Hankins Longacre, married to Charles E. Longacre II; Southey Edwards Thompson; George Southey Hankins III, married to Anne Mills Hankins; Catherine Hankins Ashe, married to Richard Scott Ashe and Howard Bowen Hankins Jr. Nine great-grandchildren also survive her: Catherine Hunter Longacre, Caroline Geddy Longacre, Charles Southey Longacre, Mary Henley Hankins, John Savage Hankins, Virginia Rawls Hankins, and Kathleen Geddy Hankins, Victoria Peyton Ashe, Richard Harper Ashe.


	Most important to Mary Lucille were her family and friends. Mary Lucille was known for her love of life, quick wit, and thoughtfulness. She was a lady of grace, style and true elegance with the most engaging smile and sparkle. Mary Lucille was anchored in her faith and shared her spiritual walk with those around her. She was an active member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church and St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Newport News, where she prepared many lunches for Lenten services and hosted dinners for visiting bishops. She was an excellent bridge player and in later life appreciated the bridge games her dear friends arranged for her to play. She also enjoyed playing golf; and both she and Suds enjoyed entertaining their friends and family at their home and around the pool. She was also a member of the DAR, The Medical Auxiliary, The Junior League of Hampton Roads and a lifetime member of The Huntington Garden Club where her love of life and creativity was displayed in her blue ribbon, beautiful floral arrangements. Teddy died knowing that she was blessed throughout her life with a loving husband, family and friends and in her words, "I have lived in the best of times." In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Garden Club of Virginia or St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Newport News. The family would like to thank Georgia and Theresa for the best of care and kindness over the last two years. At our mother's request, the service will be a private graveside for family only. Peninsula Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks. Published in Daily Press on March 16, 2016. View Guest Book

March 16, 2016

Teddy will be remembered for the happiness and love she shared for all that entered her home. She was such a quick wit; you always found yourself laughing with her. She was a true treasure that will be greatly missed.

~ Karen and Bruce Carnali, Coconut Creek, Florida

March 16, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers to the Hankins family. I know Mary Lucille had a wonderful and full life but we are never ready for the loss. Time helps heal and she lives on in our memories. We are thinking of you all. Love Rob and LaVerne

~ Rob Mitchell, Newport News, Virginia

March 16, 2016

~ Gil Via, Williamsburg, Virginia

March 16, 2016

Dear George, Howard and Mary Henley, what a tremendous loss for your family. You mom was one of the most gracious, generous, fun-loving and special people I have ever known. I have so many fond memories of her from my earliest childhood recollections. I can hear her now regaling us with her fun stories and her view of life! To this day I remember some of her "Mary Lucille views of life!"

I am so thankful to have known her, especially throughout my childhood. And now she is in her reward with her Savior and with your dad. Thank you for sharing your wonderful mom with us neighborhood friends.

I know it's hard to give her up even if it is her time and certainly she is in a better place. Prayers for you all.

- Connie Snapp DeBord, Virginia Beach, Virginia

March 17, 2016

A great lady and magnificent hostess. She was a wealth of knowledge about her family heritage. She will be greatly missed. It was a privilege to be related and learn from her warm wisdom. She certainly led a full rich life and heaven is blessed to have her.

- Hunter Bowen, Ocala, Florida

March 17, 2016

~ Virgie King, Smithfield, Virginia

March 25, 2016

Our deepest sympathies are extended to Mrs. Hankin's family and friends at this difficult time.

Y'all take good care of each other! TYPHOONS FOREVER! We'll Always Have Buckroe!