Anita Marie Costello Hankins

As an infant, Anita bypassed crawling, went straight to walking and then just kept moving forward. Appreciating the independence that earning her own money brought, Anita always had a job, or two. Having overcome her own struggle with learning issues, Anita was called to help children with learning differences or physical obstacles. Educating and guiding children, and their families, with Special Needs, fed her soul and led to a 25-year career teaching Special Education. Anita cherished each of her students and was proud that so many of them chose to stay connected with her.

In no particular order, Anita will be remembered well for her quick wit, patience, kindness, grit, Faith, hilarious big blue-eyed eye-rolls, optimism, loyalty, laugh, perseverance and her ability to keep a really juicy secret to herself. Anita always left a person better than she found them.

Anita met the love of her life, Greg Hankins, and they were married in a tiny Chapel surrounded by family in 2014. She was thrilled to become a “Bonus Mom” to four step children. With intention, Anita created a home where former spouses and their new partners, half-siblings and friends felt encouraged to visit and welcomed to stay. Creating a blended family meant not just being “nice”, but truly becoming friends with her step-children and their mothers, while including their half siblings at events and making sure that everyone felt celebrated. Anita loved ALL of the branches on her family tree.

Anita always brought her quiet calm to chaos because she had the kindest heart. Her wicked, dry humor kept friends and family in stitches. Anita also had hidden creative talents when it came to closet organization, putting together an outfit, or sleuthing online. She looked forward to walks with Lola, watching trashy Bravo TV shows, spreading the gospel of Snoop-D-O-double G, living simply and nurturing her relationships with loved ones. The Gulf beaches or the Blue Ridge Mountains were a favorite respite.

Faith in Jesus and eternal life was Anita’s cornerstone; it anchored her in both good and difficult times. She was at peace with her path and confident in her destination.

Preceding Anita were her parents Anita (Morris) and Bart Costello, and kitties, Georgia and Big Al.

Survivors include brother Bart Costello of Sandy Springs, husband Greg Hankins of Alpharetta, GA, step-children Honey Towne (William), Tom Epperson, Charlie Hankins, Margaret Hankins, grandbaby Owen, and her best dog, sweet Lola!

Anita was a graduate of Wheeler High School (1989), attended Brenau University and Mercer University (1994) where she studied Education and was a sister of The Chi Omega women’s fraternity. Anita taught at Eagles Landing MS, Patrick Henry Alternative HS, Union Grove MS, Sandy Springs Charter MS, and Centennial HS. After retiring from teaching, Anita became a licensed realtor with EXP Realty.

There will be a visitation and service held on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at 1:00 pm at Sandy Springs Chapel, Sandy Springs, Georgia.

The family will process to Arlington Memorial Park for a graveside blessing and interment.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).