Bernadine Coker Hankins

Bernadine “Bernie” Coker Hankins died peacefully in Albuquerque, New Mexico on September 16, 2023 surrounded by family.  Bernadine was born on January 10, 1927 in Laurel, Mississippi to Moses Bernard Coker and Mamie Viola Blue Huddleston.  She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Aron W. Hankins and her daughter, Cheryl G. Minshull.  She is survived by daughter, Reta Jones and husband George Jones, son in law Charles Minshull, grandson Chuck Minshull and wife Jessica Minshull and three glorious great grandchildren, Max, Ellie and Liam Minshull.  Bernadine enjoyed being a military wife, living and traveling throughout the United States and Europe.  She was a great baker and enjoyed sharing her specialty deserts with family and friends.   After retirement, she loved going to the casinos and playing bridge.  She was a class act and a true southern lady.  

Bernadine lived her early years with her mother, grandparents, aunts and uncles after her father accidentally died right before she was born.  Family and church played a very important part of her life during those years and she developed a love of writing poetry.  Shortly after high school, she met the man of her dreams on a blind date and they spent the next 59 years together until his death in 2005.  

In 2017, Bernadine moved to Albuquerque to be near her youngest daughter.  Although she was happy to move to New Mexico, she hated leaving her other daughter, son-in-law, grandson, sister, and many other relatives and friends behind in Mississippi and missed them terribly.  

The family is extremely grateful to the staff at The Woodmark at Uptown and Luna Del Valle Hospice.  Most of all, the family is thankful for the love and care provided by Cecelia Alvarez Blandon, her faithful caregiver, who was by Bernadine’s side almost every day for the last year and whose companionship she cherished.  

Bernadine has been a member of the Albuquerque Adah Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star since the 1950’s.  In lieu of flowers, her wishes were for donations to be made to the Shriner's Hospitals for Children, 3100 Samford Avenue, Shreveport, LA. 71103, or to your favorite charity.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 from 6pm to 8pm, at Riemann Memorial Funeral Home, (11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, Mississippi). Her funeral service will be on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 11am in the Riemann Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside Services will follow at the Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi, MS.

Riemann Services- Gulfport Chapel is assisting the Family