Albert Lavell Hannans

Al loved music from an early age, especially jazz, and played the saxophone in his high school marching band. He went on to graduate from Tennessee State University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology. While there, Al also joined the marching band and the Omega Si Phi fraternity.

Al went on to join the Peace Corps and served in Nigeria for 2 years, which he considered one of the highlights of his life. He loved the Nigerian people and culture, and became passionate about sharing his experiences in Nigeria, and educating everyone about the diversity and richness of the African continent. He also took up the bass, playing with the Peace Corps Jazz Experiment Ensemble.

Upon returning to the US, Al received his master’s degree in international education through the Teacher Corps, which had a master’s program in education for returned Peace Corps Volunteers who had served in Africa. They developed curriculum and taught classes in African Studies in the Worcester Public Schools.

In 1970, Al met Nancy Hannans who was studying art at Boston University. They married a year later, and had two daughters, Kenya and Nicole.

Al wore many hats during his lifetime, TV producer, educator, and of course, passionate jazz lover. He believed that each one of us is put on this earth to help others using the gifts and talents that God has given us. Al passionately lived his life doing just this, including producing minority programming for television, educating people on how to improve their health and providing scholarships for Nigerian girls. He believed strongly in the power of education to create positive change.

Al inspired both of his daughters, who he was deeply proud of, to pursue a life of service as well. His advice to everyone was to "keep on pushing", no matter what the obstacles are because all things are possible. This was a phrase he repeated often during his last days.

Al is predeceased by his brother, Michael Thompkins and leaves behind his wife, Nancy Hannans, daughters Kenya Gibson and Nicole Lewis, grandchildren, Nerissa, Scarlett, Naya, Phoenix, Donte, Drew and Devin, sister, Valarie Durah, sister-in-law, Gerri Thompkins. sister-in-law, Susan Bretton and brother-in-law, Randolph Bretton and his wife Jenny Bretton.

Another favorite word of advice Al had for everyone came from a song from his childhood, “It is better to light one little candle than to stumble in the dark”. He will be truly missed but his light will shine brightly forever.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in his honor to CAMFED USA Foundation https://camfed.org/support Their mission is to eradicate poverty in Africa through the education of girls.