Eunice (Hankerson) Mims

UTICA/YORKTOWN, VA - Eunice H. Mims was born January 20, 1932, to the late Elijah Hankerson and Elder Pearl Lee (Flowers) Bennett in South Bay, Florida where she was raised in a loving home with her mother and stepfather, Rufus Dexter. She married the late Phillip Mims, Sr. in a ceremony officiated by the late Elder Elester Wright on March 1, 1949, in Utica, NY. The couple traveled across the United States and Europe as Phillip Mims, Sr. served in the U.S. Military. Eunice was a faithful member of The House of God Church, Utica, New York serving in several capacities including Church Treasurer, and was one of the lead singers of the spiritual group, the Gospel Spreaders. It was around this example that Phillip and Eunice Mims raised their eight children and provided the spiritual foundation for the various roles and offices they hold in their home churches today as ministers and deacons and ministry workers. Eunice worked for UNIVAC and retired from Lucas Aerospace and served also as a grievance officer where her fair and honest character was invaluable in the execution of her duties. In the community Eunice supported the United People of Cornhill charity and served as PTA President underscoring the importance of education to her children. Remarkably, even with this challenging schedule, Eunice still prepared hot meals daily for her eight children and family, and cooked and provided baked goods for the church when needed as well. With the passing of her sisters, Barbara and Gladys Melzina; and brother, Leonard, Eunice took on the role of matriarch for her nieces and nephews as the last and the eldest family member before being called home to glory. Eunice Mims passed away to her heavenly home on January 11, 2024, at the home of her son and daughter-in-law in Yorktown, Virginia (Mark and Loretta Mims) with family by her side. Eunice leaves a wonderful legacy behind for her children Rev. Phillip Mims Sr., Syracuse, NY; Regina (Basil) Watson, Danbury, CT; Larry (Patricia) Mims, Concord, NC; Elder Craig (Rev. Velma) Mims, Hampton, Virginia; Rev. Gary (Dr. Gretchen) Mims, North Chili, NY; Elder Mark (Loretta) Mims, Yorktown, Virginia; and Tamera (John) Liggins, Marcy, NY; eighteen grandchildren and thirty-two great grandchildren. She is predeceased by her husband, Phillip Mims, Sr.; son, Alexis Vergil Mims; granddaughter, Rashana Wright; daughters-in-law, Vernell and Saundra Mims; siblings, Barbara Archer, Gladys Melzina Carter; brother-in-law, Gamage Carter; and her brother, Leonard Dexter. Special acknowledgements, brother-in-law Charles Blue, Florida; nieces, Naomi Screen, Tallahassee, FL; Michele Campbell, West Henrietta, NY; and Erica Mims, Lansing, NY. She will also be cherished by a host of nieces and nephews. The Mims family would like to thank all their family and friends for their support. Additional gratitude is extended to Eunice’s caregivers, Nichole Davis, Latoya Darby, and Gentiva Hospice. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 26, 2024 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at The House of God Church, 1304 Genesee St., Utica, NY. Eunice’s Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. at the church. Eunice will be laid to rest in New Forest Cemetery. This obituary was lovingly written by Eunice’s family.

Eunice (Hankerson) Mims

January 20, 1932 - January 11, 2024