Rufus Hankerson

Obituary Rufus “Man” Hankerson was born the son and 7th child of William Hankerson, Sr. and the late Ethel Mae Mincey-Hankerson on April 5, 1952 in Belle Glade, Florida. He entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, Maryland. Rufus, also called “Lil Man”, received his early education in the public schools of Somerset County in Princess Anne, Maryland. He graduated from Washington High School. Furthering his education, he attended OIC College in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania where he received vocational training in automotive mechanics. He also took up the trade of masonry and loved to draw. Whatever he worked on, he usually never gave up until he accomplished it, putting God first in everything he did. Rufus was an employee at Purity Bacon in Salisbury, Maryland for twelve (12) years and a dedicated employee of Pepsi Bottling Company for several years. “Man” was taught that if a man doesn’t work, he doesn’t eat. He believed in what his parents taught him and he believed in the word of God. He was indeed a hard worker and as tiny as he was, he also loved to cook and eat. He was very talented and while in his youth, he used match boxes to build toy trains. When “Man” was a child, he and his sister Mae, used to sneak around waiting up for their eldest sister, Mozelle to come home from work with snacks for them while the other siblings were asleep. Later, as a young man, Rufus took over farming and planting for his father worked in to cement industry. “Man” loved the Lord throughout his days. He was a very humble person who believed in doing the will of God. He always had kind words to say to others and had a beautiful smile. Anytime he could help someone, he would take time out to give you a hand or an encouraging word. He loved the Ten Commandments and quoted them all. His favorite verses were Matthew 22:37-39 “Jesus said unto him, thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself; and Matthew 7:12 “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” From which he got his favorite saying “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” Rufus was faithful in and out of church and believed in tithing his 10% unto God. He loved his church family and there at Cathedral of Restoration, he met his sweetheart, Delores Ann. They were married for twenty-nine (29) years until the Lord called her home. Rufus was a dedicated Deacon along side Pastor Green and a faithful co-pastor along with his late wife, Elder Delores Ann Hankerson at their church at New Life Chapel. He then returned to Cathedral of Restoration, channeling his duties as a Deacon there. Rufus leaves to cherish special memories: his father, William Hankerson Sr., of Eden, MD; one step-daughter, Robany Pittman of Salisbury, MD; four grandchildren, Aaron, Ariel, Jaron and Jadona Pittman; 12 siblings Mozelle McDowell, Harrisburg, PA; Richard Hankerson, Sr., of Eden, MD; Jake (Phyllis) Hankerson of Fruitland MD; Rosalee (Herschel) of Harrisburg, PA; Ethel Mae Copes of Salisbury, Maryland, Roger (Sharon) Hankerson of Eden, MD; Alfred (Phyllis) Hankerson of Salisbury, MD, Harvey Hankerson of Salisbury, MD; Ernest (Cecilia) Hankerson of Owings Mills, MD; Lorine Hankerson and Lottie Hankerson, of Harrisburg, PA; and Lawrence (Angie) Hankerson of Salisbury, MD; two surviving sisters-in-law Letha Hankerson of Eden, MD; and Joyce Anne Hankerson of Salisbury, MD; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. He was preceded in death by: mother Ethel Mae Mincey-Hankerson his wife, Delores Ann Hankerson; two brothers, William Hankerson, Jr. and Louis Hankerson; mother- and father-in-law, Catherine and James Church and one nephew, William Hankerson III. Lovingly Submitted ~ The Family

Rufus Hankerson

April 5, 1952 - April 24, 2019