Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Ripley for Beverly Jewel Lawson Hankins, 67, of Ripley, who passed from this life to the next on Wednesday, Jan. 24, with her family by her side. A private graveside service followed. Visitation was held from noon until service time on Saturday, Jan. 27, at the church. Ladies were encouraged to wear hats and bright colors.
Mrs. Hankins was born on Feb. 12, 1956. She believed that even the briefest moments shared with others were an opportunity to brighten someone else’s day and that belief left a trail of joy everywhere she went. Forever a champion for underdogs, she always looked for opportunities to lift up others, which even extended to her love of Ole Miss baseball and women’s basketball. Swayze Field was one of her favorite places to be, perhaps only surpassed by riding It’s a Small World at Walt Disney World – again and again – preferably while wearing a huge, colorful hat.
Her father, Denton Lawson; her mother, Betty Ruth Monaghan Lawson, and her brother, Denny Lawson, preceded Mrs. Hankins in death.
Survivors include, her husband J.D.; her son, Trey; her daughter, Madeline White and her son-in-law, Charlie White; her granddaughters, Caroline White and Clara White; her sister, Marilyn Lawson; her nephew, Tripp Beardain; her niece, Gracie Beardain, and her grandniece, Avery Beardain.
Her generous smile and uplifting spirit will live on in the hearts of all who love her.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to the Boys and Girls Clubs of North Mississippi, P.O. Box 1098, Tupelo, MS 38802.
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.mcbridefuneralhome.com
McBride Funeral Home, Inc., in Ripley was in charge of arrangements.
