Miss Jordan Janae Hankins

Jordan Janae Hankins, daughter of Walter L. and Felicia H. Hankins was born on April 8, 1997 in Raleigh, North Carolina. She departed this life on Monday, January 9, 2017. She gave her life to Christ at the age of 5 ½ and was baptized at Eastern Star Church on March 2, 2003. As a baby, Jordan was affectionately known as “Sweet-Sweet” and “Cootie” by her family. Later in life, she was often called “Jo Jo”, “J”, and “Baby J” by her teammates and friends. Jordan was an adorable, inquisitive and talkative baby who seemed to command the attention of everyone. She loved being around people and she was energized by their presence. She moved to Indianapolis, IN with her family in 1998 at the age of 1 1/2. Although they were new to the area, Jordan insured that they quickly met new friends in church, parks, grocery stores, her neighborhood and wherever they went. She made it her daily mission to greet everyone that she encountered. At the age of 3, Jordan insisted that her mom return to work so that she could go to preschool and meet new friends. She attended preschool at KinderCare (formerly Children’s World) in Fishers, IN where she developed lasting bonds with many of her peers, like her preschool BFF, Samantha. Jordan later attended Centralized Kindergarten-South and Sunnyside Elementary School in MSD Lawrence Township where she acquired a multitude of friends. She was an honor roll student who continued to excel both academically and athletically throughout her Fall Creek Valley Middle School and Lawrence North High School years. In 8th grade, she earned the Girls Track and Field MVP, the Girls Basketball Players Choice Award, and the Lou Ann Fitzgerald Memorial Award in recognition of her athletic ability, leadership, and attitude. Jordan received numerous academic and athletic awards while in high school. She was a member of both the National Technical and National Honor Societies and she earned an Academic Honors Diploma. She was Co-Captain of the Varsity Girls Basketball team and she earned the Co-MVP award her senior year. She surpassed 1000 points and she currently holds both the season high 3pt field goal and the all-time career high 3pt field goal records at LNHS. Jordan was a member of the 2014 Indiana Junior Girls All-Star South Team and received 2013 and 2014 IBCA/Subway Underclass All-State Honorable Mention. She also received All MIC Conference honors in 2014 and 2015. Jordan began evolving into a talented basketball player at the age of 6. She played on numerous teams including the Eastern Star Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, and the Lawrence Township Recreational and Travel Teams. She joined the Family Girls Youth Mentoring Program AAU Team at the age of 9 and she loved the game and trained at home constantly, without being prompted. Jordan progressed quickly and began playing on the recruiting circuit at age 11. She adored her AAU Coach and Mentor, Kevin Merriweather and she looked forward to training with him every moment that she could. She often shared what she had learned by mentoring and training youngsters in both her AAU program and her neighborhood/community. Jordan also enjoyed working with students with disabilities and she began volunteering while in elementary school. She continued to volunteer as both a friend and a teacher during high school. Caring for others was her calling. Upon graduating from high school in 2015, Jordan attended Northwestern University in Evanston, IL on a full ride athletic scholarship. She was a sophomore and a member of the Women’s Basketball Team. She loved her team and coaching staff dearly and she was committed to being the very best player and teammate that she could be. Jordan strived to work hard, because she wanted to be an active contributor to her team’s success. She had also recently joined the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Jordan was proud to be a part of the sisterhood and was looking forward to participating in upcoming service projects. Jordan enjoyed drawing & sketching, rubix cubes, and jigsaw puzzles. She also enjoyed dancing, spending time with friends and caring for her beloved cat, Zeus. She was compassionate, kind, and loving. Jordan cared deeply for everyone and her mission in life was to spread joy to others. She was always joking, dancing or making comical gestures, in an effort to cheer someone up or to make them laugh. Jordan shared a lot of memorable moments with her dear friend, teammate and former roommate, Amber Jamison. We will always remember Jordan’s beautiful smile and her selfless devotion to others. She worked hard in the classroom and on the court, while enjoying life to the fullest. She endured challenges in her life with faith in God and by quoting her favorite scripture, Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”. Jordan is survived by her parents, Walter L. and Felicia H. Hankins of Indianapolis, IN; a brother, Jared L. Hankins of Indianapolis, IN; Grandmother, Christine C. Horton of Apex, NC; Grandmother, Addie R. Hankins of Browns Summit, NC; Grandmother, Williette Allred of Greensboro, NC; Grandparents John W. & Paulette Wray of Greensboro, NC; and a host of aunts, uncles, great-aunts, great-uncles, cousins and friends.The visitation is Thursday, January 19, 2017, 9:30am - 11am, with the Homegoing Service commencing at 11am at Eastern Star Church, 5750 E. 30th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46218. A visitation and the interment will take place on Monday, January 23, 2017 and the interment will follow at New Hope Cemetery, Apex, North Carolina.