Jonathan Alphonso Hanton

“To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven. “ Ecclesiastes 3:1

A TIME TO BE BORN: Jonathan Alphonso Hanton was born on January 12, 1938, in Cameron, South Carolina, to the late Louis and Nina Seaberry Hanton. His parents and brothers, Louis Jr., Arthur, John, and George, and a sister Mary H. Hollinshead, all preceded him in death.

In 1956, Jonathan graduated from C.A. Johnson High School, Columbia, S.C. and enrolled at Allen University where he was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. At Allen he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education in 1960. Additionally, he pursued graduate work at S.C State College in Orangeburg, S.C. and earned a master’s degree in Special Education.

A TIME TO COMMIT: Joe gave his heart to Christ as a youth at Brown’s Chapel AME church, in Cameron, S.C. under leadership of the late Rev. J. Dawkins. While at Allen University, not only did he sing on the choir, but he also served in the ministry of the late Rev W.C. Bowman as his personal driver and assisted him however he was needed (armor bearer).

A TIME TO SERVE: Jonathan, after college, reported to the United States Army in 1964 and was first stationed at Fort Benning, Columbus, GA. He served two years and received an honorable discharge in 1966.

Jonathan entered the teaching profession and taught as a special education teacher at Simms High School and Union High School in Union South Carolina. He also coached the girls’ basketball team.

In the entrepreneurial spirit Jonathan became a tax preparer and served in this capacity as a business owner and Licensed master tax consultant and preparer. He loved his work and loved helping people with their tax concerns.

A TIME TO LOVE: On March 31, 1961, Jonathan entered into holy matrimony with his college sweetheart Barbara McBeth and to that union two strong handsome sons were born: Marcus Dale and Jonathan Earl. Joe and Barbara were blessed to live and celebrate 60 years of marriage.

A TIME TO BLESS: Jonathan moved to Maryland in 1971 and became a member of Metropolitan AME Church in Washington, D.C. He sang on the choir using his gifted melodic tenor voice. He was passionate about the annual Choir rendition of Handel’s Messiah.

A TIME TO CHERISH: Jonathan was a loving and compassionate man who treasured and supported his family and friends. He had a quest for knowledge and wisdom and freely shared it. He enjoyed scrabble and bowling and sports of all kinds. He loved traveling with his family, and especially his grand daughters and grandson.

A TIME TO REST: On Thursday, July 17, 2021, in Burbank California, Jonathan Alphonso Hanton answered God’s call and transitioned from this life. He made a peaceful transition with his wife Barbara of 60 years by his side.

Rejoicing in his triumphant victory and forever cherishing his memory is his loving wife Barbara, his two sons, Marcus (Maila) of Valencia, California, and Earl (Lori) of Bristow, Virginia. Six grandchildren: Kalani, Angela, Kristina, Sarah, Naomi and Jeremy. Three sisters: Mrs. Connie H. Lawson, Temple Hills, Maryland, Mrs. Marjorie H. Hughes, Coral Springs, Florida, and Dr. Arlene H. Young, Southfield, Michigan; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, friends, and special friends.

SOLITUDE

I needed the quiet, so He drew me aside

Into the shadows where we could confide;

Away from the hustle where all day long

I needed the quiet, though at first, I rebelled,

But gently, so gently my cross He upheld,

Though weakened in body my spirit took wings;

To heights never dreamed of when active and gay.

He loved me so gently, He drew me aside.