M.F. Riley's Funeral Home | Fairfax, SC

Obituary For Mary M. Hankerson

Mary “Dean” Magalene Hankerson was born February 5, 1958, in Hampton County, SC, the only child of Lille Bell Thompson and the late Robert L. Williams.

She attended and graduated from Hampton County School District 2 in Estill, SC “Class of 1976”. At the age of sixteen, Mary drove school bus for District 2 for two years under the direction of Mr. Campbell. She went to Demark Technical School for two years and was fully devoted to the care of her grandmother.

In the early 80’s Dean joined her mother and stepfather in Brooklyn, New York where she attended Cosmetology and Culinary School.

Her love for culinary arts, catering, and hospitality led her to becoming a season professional chef for some of the finest restaurants in New York City.

Dean was a faithful member of Bethal Tabernacle AME Church where she served alongside her aunt Hattie on the Gospel Chorus. Dean directed the choir and occasionally she blessed the congregation singing a solo with her electrifying voice.

Dean had a great sense of humor and kept you laughing no matter what. She was adventurous, had a love for life and would give you the shirt off her back.

She was just that loveable. She did not allow the challenges of life crush her spirit like the song says “You Won’t Break My Soul”. Dean’s faith in God is a testament of Gods’ magnanimous mercies and amazing grace.

Dean is preceded in death by her significant other: Percy Brown;

Grandparents: James T & Florrie (Candy) Hankerson; Father: Robert L. Williams; Stepfather: Sylvester Thompson; (2) Aunts: Alverta Hankerson and Jeanette Wesley; (2) Uncles: Joe Wright and Howard Dixson.

Mary “Dean” departed this life after medical complications on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Interfaith Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY.

Cherishing her fond memories: Loving and devoted mother: Lille Bell Thompson; Godmother: Annie Mae Roberts; (3) Aunts: Edith Wright, Hattie Dixson and Mary Famularo; (1) Uncle: James Wesley; (2) Spiritual Confidant Uncles: Ernest Reed and William Reed; Dean’s friends personified on the road of life: James Reed (cousin), Myrna Corker (cousin), Linda Green (cousin) and Margie Prester (cousin). A host of cousins and sympathizing friend.

“A SERVICE ABOVE SELF”

Please remember to keep the Hankerson family lifted in prayer.

You may email condolences to: mfrileysfuneralhome@yahoo.com

Guest Book

Love Linda Green

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You have my deepest condolences. I pray God will strengthen you in the deeds and months to come. Dean was my childhood friend all through youth and adult life until the day of her passing. I will always cherish the fond memories that she and I shared together. She was just like a sister to me. Rest in peace until we meet again.

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We love you cousin, rest with the father Hankerson 5, Sherad, Kisha, Latoya, Yuekia and Jasper Jr

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Sending prayers of comfort, My God sister my friend and go too you fought a good fight now take your rest sweet lady your lil sister Kisha

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My sincere condolences to the family

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With deepest sympathy from The Mayor, Council and staff of The Town of Gifford. Our prayers are with the family during this time.

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I have very fond memories of playing together as kids in Brooklyn on Pacific St. We always had a good time in spite of it all. Rest well my friend... no more pain and no more suffering. You have been made whole again.

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- M.F. Riley's Funeral Home | Fairfax, SC