Benjamin T.

Hankins

A longtime Chelsea resident, Ben passed away on Sunday May 10 ^th at the Mt. Auburn Hospital after a brief illness.  He was 95 years of age.  Born and raised in Dublin, GA, he was one of seven children given to the union of A.C. Hankins and Eola (Shivas) Hankins.  Ben received his formal education in Dublin.  As a young man he worked briefly as a farmhand before enlisting into the US Navy.  He served during WW II as Stewards Mate FC, his duty assignments included NTC Bainbridge, MD, N.Q.B. Newport, RI and the Chelsea Naval Hospital.  A young Navy Man, he caught the eye of Chelsea native Gloria K. (Revallion) and they married in February 1946.  Later that same year Ben was honorably discharged and settled with his bride on Arlington St., Chelsea.  Together they raised a family of one son and four daughters.  Ben supported his family working as a truck driver for Purity Supreme grocery chain.  After his retirement he continued work as a parts-man and courier for Hub Starters in Malden.  Ben was widowed 18 years ago after 56 years of marriage with his beloved wife Gloria K. Hankins.  Ben remained active in his beloved community and served many years as a trustee for the Peoples AME Church in Chelsea.  In his lifetime, Bens family was foremost in his devotions, he also enjoyed time with friends socializing and playing a friendly game of cards.   In addition to his parents and wife, he was also preceded in death by a daughter Rowena Paxton, a granddaughter Audrey Paxton, siblings; A.C., Melvin, Lil, Ann and Zenobia.  To mourn loss and cherish his memory Ben leaves his devoted children; Willetta Hagan,  Gloria Jean Hankins and her husband Jeff, Christine Martinez and her husband Nelson, and Benjamin Hankins, Jr..  He was the dear brother of Mae Lewis and he was also the proud grand-father of 8 and adored great-grandfather of 9.  He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews and extended family members.

A private family farewell will be held in the Welsh Funeral Home, concluding with graveside prayers and interment in Woodlawn Cemetery.  We encourage family and friends who wish, to offer condolences at this time by means of the online guest book or to send a personalized sympathy card.

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