Clarence Hanks' Obituary
Clarence Hanks Obituary
Clarence Hanks affectionately known as “Hanks” was born April 26th 1943 to the late Clarence & Freida Hanks in St. Louis, Missouri. Clarence was the eldest son of that union. He graduated from Thornton Township High School in Harvey, IL in 1962.
Clarence received an Associate Degree in Data Processing that led him to a 30 year career as a System Analyst with Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. He retired as a Project Manager at Blue Cross in 2002. After retirement, he taught data processing at city colleges of Chicago, prepared taxes at H&R Block and worked at Joe Louis Golf Course.
In November 1973, Clarence met the love of his life, Gwen Marie while working at Blue Cross Blue Shield Association in Oakland, CA. They married on July 9th 1977. Their union was blessed with a lovely daughter, Cecely Noel in 1979 and were gifted with a granddaughter, Ava Marie in 2001.
Clarence was involved in many civic activities such as NAACP, Operation Bread Basket and Operation Push. He was also involved in community programs in the Village of Hazel Crest.
Clarence became a member of St. Anne Church in 1978 and was actively involved as an usher and member of the parish council, men’s club and school board. He was awarded the Spirit Award for outstanding leadership and Augustus Tolton Award for African American Catholics.
Clarence was an avid sports fan & was known for predicting the outcomes of games. He was involved in many sports activities such as bowling, tennis and “thumping cards”. The greatest of all his activities was playing golf.
Clarence transitioned to his heavenly home on November 22, 2018. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 41 years, Gwen, loving daughter, Cecely (Lee) and precious granddaughter, Ava aka “Big Girl”. He was also a grandfather to Juwan and Jaila. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Hanks, Sr. and Freida Turnley; sister, Paula Porche’ and loving uncle, Fred Turner “Sony Boy”. He leaves to cherish his memory: siblings: Monwella, Kay, Jessie, Larry (Rose), Karen (a.k.a. Susie), Uncle Doc Suggs III; and brothers-in-law, Howard Porche’, Thurman Phason, Douglas Phason, Erris Edgerly and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
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