Dr. Barbara Hankins

Dr. Barbara Kay Poindexter Hankins, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, passed away on Monday, October 28, 2024.

Barbara was born July 2, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois and was an only child. When she was in high school, her family moved to Kansas City where she graduated from Southwest High School and attended the University of Kansas joining the Delta Gamma Sorority. While at college, Barbara met her first love, Jerold David Poindexter. In 1958, Barbara earned her master’s degree in fine arts.

Shortly after graduation, Barbara married Jerold and in 1959, began working at Centron Industries, a film production company in Lawrence, Kansas doing commercial artwork for films and advertising production which included a cult classic movie in 1962, "Carnival of Souls". During her time with Centron, Barbara had her first child, Brian, and later had two more children, Todd and Amy.

Barbara began her teaching career at Longview Community College in 1969. She taught drawing, painting, sculpture, photography and art history for over 30 years, eventually running the art department. In 1980, Barbara moved to Lee's Summit, Missouri. In 1986, while she was busy working full time and raising three children, she earned her doctorate degree which was one of her most gratifying accomplishments. Also, during this time, she was commissioned to paint a mural consisting of multiple 5x8 foot oil paintings that were displayed at the Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri.

In 1993, Jerold passed away and in 1998, Barbara married the second love of her life, Robert Maurice Hankins. They spent 15 blissful years together and travelled the world while watching their grandchildren grow. After, Robert passed away in 2013, Barbara settled in Raymore Missouri.

During her life, Barbara enjoyed painting, drawing and spending time with her family and friends. Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Genevieve Mulvaney. She is survived by her children Brian Neal Poindexter (Heather) of Olathe, Kansas, Todd Poindexter (Amy) and Amy Lynn Hernandez (Arnold) of Lee's Summit, Missouri. Stepsons Robert Hankins Jr (Margie) and Mark Hankins. Grandchildren Holly Boyer (Kenneth), Joshua Poindexter, Camden Hernandez, Cas Hernandez. Step grandchild Jenson Hankins. Great-grandchildren Danika Boyer and Amma Boyer.