JAY JONATHAN HANKINS

A walk-thru viewing on Wed, Feb. 10th from 5pm-7pm at Anderson-Ragsdale Mortuary. Services are Thursday, Feb. 11th at 10:30am at 61st and Division Church of Christ with Entombment to follow at Greenwood Bible Mausoleum. 

I was born Thursday, December 13, 1962, to Fritz Hankins Sr. and Lucille Bowman. Weighing only 2 pounds and 8 ounces, the doctors did not expect me to survive. Oh, but God had other plans. My grandmother Rosanna looked at me, rejoiced, and nicknamed me, “Joy”. How did she know that “Joy” would be the theme of my life? Grandmothers are special in that way. I found joy in everything I did.

In my life, I have faced many challenges, but my faith in God never wavered. I was baptized into Christ at a young age, in which I placed all my hope, trust, and faith in God. At fourteen, I became ill and was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease; a disease that would stay with me for the rest of my life. My illness led to multiple surgeries, which kept me out of school, but I did not let that discourage me. With determination and strength from God, I graduated from Crawford High School.

I went on to chase my dreams of becoming an entrepreneur. On my road to entrepreneurship, I stopped by the San Diego Zoo. At the Zoo, I care for animals and became a lifetime member. I have a passion for caring for animals, and I am the proud owner of an African Grey named “Smokey”. I continued my life journey and stumbled upon Sam’s Club. There, I dedicated 20 years of service and hard work. I enjoyed it! I perfected my janitorial craft, to the extent that we named the new cleaning robot Jay 2.0. I developed lasting relationships with people I consider family, friends that are more like family. I have been told that my presence was always cheerful, and my smile was infectious. I did not know that I had an impact on people, I was just simply being myself, humble and cheerful.

[Inline image] Alas, I made it to my destination, “Mop and Glow Janitorial”, a business of my own. This is one of my greatest accomplishments. I am a proud business owner. It became a family business. I was able to employ my brother, nephews, and family friends. My business thrived for many years until I become critically ill.

The simple pleasures in life brought great joy to me. Family time was important to me. I did not have any biological children but loved my nieces and nephews like they were my own. I played an active role in their lives, where I was affectionately known as “Uncle”. Or as my brother-in-law says. “Uncle”. I enjoyed picking them up from school, attending their school and sporting events. I was infamous for taking them to Taco Bell. Although I only gave them two options, either 2 tacos or a taco and a burrito, I made sure they were fed.

My church home is at 61st Street Church of Christ. I would say I am a faithful servant. If my help is needed, beyond a doubt I will be there. Sunday evenings you will find me leading songs during worship. The Men’s Workshops were a blessing. I always look forward to attending those.

My life is a testament that God’s grace is sufficient. I walked this earth for over 40 years with a critical illness. I spoke the word of God to those in seek of refuge. I accomplished many things despite my illness and now my work here on earth is done. I was called home to be with the Lord on Monday, January 25th, 2021.

My father Fritz Hankins Sr., brother Fritz Hankins Jr., and nephew Lenard Butler all made this transition before me.

I now entrust my legacy and loving memory to my devoted mother, Lucille Robinson of San Diego, CA; My brothers, Melvin Goins of Louisville, KY and Keith Hankins of San Diego, CA; my sisters, Sheila (Keith) Butler and Lisa (Randy) Cosby of San Diego, CA; my nephews: Keith (Pam) Butler of Dallas, NC, Tranes Goins, Melvin Goins II, Keith Hankins all of San Diego, CA and Lamont (Janine) Butler, of Wheeling, IL; my nieces: Andrea Blankenship, of San Diego, CA and Deanna (Erik) Osakue and Alicia Hankins of Mcdonough, GA; my great-nieces, Kamryn and Amya;. my great-nephews: Quenton, Keiton, Langston, Chace, Seven, and Grayson. I also, bid farewell to a host of other family members, friends, and my church family. I love you all!

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