June Amanda deGraft Hanson PhD

June deGraft-Hanson, born at Cape Coast, Ghana on June 21, 1957 as the first child of the marriage of Professor John Orleans deGraft Hanson and Mrs. Benedicta Cora Hanson, was granted her angel wings at Laurel, Maryland, USA on May 31, 2016, just three weeks shy of her 59th birthday. Her final days were spent surrounded by her Mother and siblings who sang hymns until June slipped the surly bonds of earth and flew away. June’s life would seem too short to many people, but those touched by her understood that the quality of life far exceeds the quantity of time in which a person lives. Her gentle smile, quiet self-assurance, and selfless devotion to poultry safety research to enhance the food we put on our tables everyday, brought pride to her family, lifelong friends, and coworkers whom June impacted in ways small or big during her memorable life. A Christian and contributor to charitable causes, June was a loyal friend to many. She inspired us with tremendous courage and a remarkably graceful spirit, reminding us collectively of the fragility of this precious life. Glory to God for granting us the privilege of June’s friendship or knowing her. June attended University Primary School, Legon, then matriculated at Wesley Girls' High School, Cape Coast, Ghana. After she earned her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry with a 2nd Class-Upper Hons. at the University of Ghana, Legon, June next pursued a Master’s degree and a Ph.D at the University of Maryland, College Park. Over the years, June worked at the University of Maryland, University of West Virginia, Morgantown, the University of Ghana, Legon and also for the FDA, Maryland. She was a highly-published food safety scientist and an Avian flu expert. June also treasured her sense of privacy. She enjoyed playing the piano, and among her favorite pastimes were knitting and crocheting at home. Affectionately nicknamed “Wordsmith,” June loved to read, and had a formidable mastery of English Literature. Jane Austen and John Keats were among her favorite writers. June was predeceased by her dad John, and beloved brother Kofi. She is survived by her mother, Benedicta Hanson (West Hartford, Connecticut & Pensacola, Florida); siblings Dr. Kwesi deGraft-Hanson (Atlanta, Georgia); Kweku Hanson (West Hartford, Connecticut); Dr. Kobena Hanson (Accra, Ghana); Christine deGraft-Hanson (London, UK); Henry deGraft-Hanson (Pensacola, Florida), Araba Hanson-Knoblock (Pensacola, Florida); Robert Hanson (Accra, Ghana); Eudora Hanson-Tagboto (Kumasi, Ghana); Rosalyn Hanson-Aryee (London, UK); and myriad maternal and paternal aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and kinfolk worldwide, all of whom celebrate June’s life and mourn her untimely passing. Viewing: Fri., June 17th from 4:30pm - 12:00am, Sat. & June 18th from 9:30am-10:30am Funeral Service: June 18th from 10:30am - 12 noon (immediate Burial AFTER the FUNERAL) Location: Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, 11800 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Springs, MD 20904 Funeral Home #: (301) 622-2290 . To Make A Floral Donation Go Online, Or Call: (800) 395-0295