Roberta de Cordova Hanks

February 8, 1936 – August 31, 2026

Bobbi passed away August 31, 2026, surrounded by her loving sister Adrienne Kincaid and her cherished friends and chosen family.

She was predeceased in death by her husband of 40 years, Jerald (Jerry) E. Hanks, a professional editor and writer.

Bobbi is survived by her adoring and devoted sister, Adrienne Kincaid; her beloved nephew Richard Ullian; her chosen “sister and brother” Elaine and Tom Eckert; her “adopted grandson” Glenn Danielson; her “bonus son” Dennis Dore; her thousands of Bosom Buddies; and all of the many people who referred to her as Mom.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, Bobbi held a degree in Music Education from Ithaca College.

Known as Bobbi Lynn, she became a world-renowned Bass Player, in the Latin Jazz field, playing in some of the hottest clubs in New York. She notably played at the Village Gate, and the Palladium, travelling throughout Latin and South America, the Caribbean Islands, and Europe.

As her career took off, she was later to become known as Bobbi de Cordova.

During her prestigious career of over 30 years, she became one of the first female jazz bass players ever inducted into the Encyclopedia of Jazz, in the Latin Field.

After touring around the world for many years, she settled down in Miami, Florida. There she played in the Doral Country Club for over 5 years.

After touring and playing for so many years, Bobbi made the major career decision to apply her talents from music to writing. Her success as a writer was no surprise. Coming from a gifted family of writers, artists and musicians, this transition came easily to her.

She was the Editor of Florida Marching Bands and Corps Magazine as well as other publications in Miami. During this time, she also collaborated with her sister, at Adrienne’s bilingual Ad Agency. This was a fun and joyful time working together as sisters.

While working for the publications, she met her future husband Jerry who was also a well-known writer and editor. They hit it off, fell in love, and the rest was history.

After marriage, Bobbi relocated to Jacksonville, Florida. A short time after they married, in 1986, Bobbi was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. This event was the catalyst that led them to coauthor their book, “Tears of Joy,” the personal story of their cancer journey together.

At the time of her diagnosis, she was working as News Bureau Chief at Florida Community College at Jacksonville. To her shock and dismay, she discovered there was no support for women with breast cancer. That is when she became their voice. Bobbi said that when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, “God spoke and she listened.”

She turned adversity into advocacy. She founded Bosom Buddies, the first Breast Cancer Support Group in Northeast Florida. Over three decades of her leadership, she served more than seven thousand women, providing education, hope, support, and advocacy along the way. This group is still a vital part of our Northeast Florida community today.

As part of her legacy, she held many noteworthy positions. Bobbi served for 12 years on the Board of Governors of the Intercultural Cancer Council. She also held a two-year appointment as a member of the Director’s Consumer Liaison Group for the National Cancer Institute and was a former Board member and Education Chair for the North Florida Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure; a former Board member and Communications Chair for the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, and a former member of the Oncology Nursing Society Consumer Advisory Panel.

Among the many awards which Bobbi received were the “12 Who Care Award,” presented by TV Channel 12; the “Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service” presented by the American Institute for Public Service, and the “First Lady Award,” presented by the Intercultural Cancer Council. She is also featured in the Council Archives where she coined the phrase, “Speaking with One Voice.” She also was an honoree of the Jacksonville Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women and was honored with a resolution and commendation for her work in cancer survivorship by the Jacksonville City Council. In 2014, she received the Pioneer Award from Women in Business and in 2015 was a finalist for an EVE Award in the volunteer category. Just this year, she was honored as The First Coast News, TV 12 “Buddy Check Champ”, presented by News anchor Jeannie Blaylock who often referred to Bobbi as her own personal mentor.

This is just a small glimpse of the legacy Bobbi leaves behind.

The universe has lost one of its brightest stars. And her sister has lost her best friend.

An intimate Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made “In memory of Bobbi de Cordova-Hanks” to the following organizations that were near to her heart:

World Central Kitchen http://donate.wck.org

K9s for Warriors http://donate.k9sforwarriors.org

or a charity of your choice.