Derek Labre Hankins

Derek was raised in Phoenix, AZ where he attended elementary school, junior high school and high school. He graduated from South Mountain High School with an athletic scholarship in June of 1988. Derek was a three-year varsity letterman in both football and basketball at South Mountain where he was heavily recruited by Arizona State University, the University of Arizona and 14 other division-one schools for football. Derek chose the University of Arizona to further his athletic career and education.

After college, he worked various jobs mostly in the Financial Services, Collections and Behavioral Health sectors of business. Derek loved the Lord and was always spreading God’s word. He attended various churches during his spiritual growth.

The Lord blessed Derek with two sons, Jahron and Davion who were his pride and joy. Derek was a devoted and loving Father, Grandfather, Brother, Nephew, Cousin and Friend.

Derek possessed a deep love for family and life in general. He had a big and contagious smile with an even bigger heart. Who didn’t love his big bear hugs? Derek was easy to talk with, an encourager of everyone he knew and a dutiful prayer warrior for anyone that crossed his path. He was also a die-hard fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Boston Celtics.

Derek was preceded in death by his mother Louise Henderson, father Larry D. Hankins and maternal/paternal grand -parents.

Left to cherish his memories are: his two sons, Jahron Hankins and Davion Hankins, brothers Alvin Hayes (Timeka), Marcus Hankins and Terrence Hayes, sisters Chanta Vasquez and Gabrielle Alvillar, seven grandchildren (Jahrya, Jordynn, Zavion, Zyonna, A’azaria and Ale’ah) , wife Neomi Hankins, Rene Banks (mother of Davion), long-time friend Paulette Edwards and a host of step-children, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.resthavencarrtenney.com for the Hankins family.