Obituary of Lana Jean Sherman Hanks

Obituary of Lana Sherman Hanks Reflection of Life: LANA JEAN SHERMAN HANKS And she came into the world at three pounds and thirteen ounces. A tiny little thing, Lana Jean Sherman, was born to Tommie Mae and Robert Daniel Sherman on January 30, 1950 in Dallas, Texas. She would grow up to be an amazing woman. With a big, welcoming smile and with hugs filled with such generosity and care, you could feel that the love this woman had in her was profound. Never ending. She once stayed up all night in front of the dollar store on Forest Lane to win a television. She was the first in line. She was determined. On August 20, 1971, she married her high school sweetheart, Carl Edgar Hanks. And from this union, five children were born: Aaron Hanks, April Hanks Graves, Angela Hanks, Anthony Hanks, and Ava Hanks. Though her life was at risk with each birth, she gave of herself selflessly. And if you were to ask her if she would do it again, give birth to five children, knowing the risks involved, she would say: "In a heartbeat." Lana's culinary skills were grand. She loved food and she loved it when other people enjoyed it. She listened to classical music when she baked cakes, cookies, and other delicious desserts. She sang along to the Supremes when she made dinner. She hummed "You've Really Got a Hold On Me" by Smokey Robinson as she decorated birthday cakes or when she layered cheesecakes. She once ran after the guy who stole her purse from her on 8316 Bunche Drive in Dallas, Texas. Lana Hanks was not an athlete, but her sense of justice had been violated. So she sprang into action. If she had caught up with the culprit, she would have just asked, "Why did you take my purse from me? What were you thinking?". Lana was one of five children herself. She has two sisters: Brenda Sherman Key and Karon Sherman Thomas, and two brothers, Robert Jr. and Ronald Sherman. One of her nicknames was, "Brains". She was an avid watcher of "Jeopardy". She helped lead her team to victory on "Family Feud". An honor roll student, she came in second place in the Texas state spelling bee in high school (her future husband often would call her to help him spell words correctly for homework). She received a Bachelor of Arts in English from Prairie View A&M University in 1972. She was passionate about Hamilton Park Pacesetter School. So passionate that what started as a substitute teaching gig at the elementary school turned into a full-time job as a teacher's assistant. After school, she would teach kids to cook in her extended day classes. The number of people she is survived by is insurmountable. Her impact was deep. On April 24th, 2014, at the age of sixty-four, Lana Hanks, proud mama of five, beloved sister of four, eldest daughter of Tommie Mae Sherman, gently passed away in Dallas, Texas in a room filled with laughter and love.