Erica Jeannette Hankerson

Erica Jeannette Gardner Hankerson was born on January 11, 1974 to the late Edward Lee Cole and Pamela Jean Gardner. She was the middle of three daughters who shared a strong bond. Erica was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana and was a proud 1992 graduate of Broad Ripple High School. After graduating high school, Erica attended Ball State University where she connected her love for shopping with her love for learning, graduating with a degree in Business and Fashion Merchandising in 1996. Whether it was while working at Target, fresh out of college, Advantage Health where she worked alongside a few other members of Berean, or Sunnyside Elementary School where the staff quickly became like family, Erica took pride in everything that she did. As a young adult, Erica committed her life to serving the Lord. She was a faithful member of Berean Bible Church where she led the choir in her signature solo song, Safe In His Arms from the alto section. It was also at Berean where she met her husband, Ralph Hankerson, Jr. The two were married on Sunday, July 4, 1999. Erica and Ralph would celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary this year. Within those 25 years, they created three beautiful children—Angela, Josiah, and Jeremiah. Erica had a laugh big enough to fill a room, and her warmth collected friends everywhere she went. She fit so easily into many social circles. As a Broad Ripple Rocket alumni, Erica enjoyed attending various events and connecting with other alumni. She also loved going skating and working out with her Kangoo Bounce crew. Spending time with her family was one of the things she loved most. She and Ralph spent time traveling together when they could. They enjoyed cruises, work trips to Cabo, or even the annual Committed For Life Marriage Retreat just to get away and reconnect. She never lost interest in fashion and loved going shopping with her daughter, Angela. She collected everything from Chucks to Jordans to Coach bags, and just about anything denim along the way. Erica loved musicals, especially Grease, and could quote just about all of them inside and out. When she wasn’t in the bleachers cheering for her youngest son, Jeremiah, on the basketball court, she loved to bake cakes and brownies for the family. She was looking forward to screaming in celebration at Josiah’s college graduation this year, letting him know just how proud she was of his accomplishments. And as a Nonni, Erica loved hanging with her granddaughter, X’riah, and would often be seen pushing her around on the walker through the aisles at church just to get her to laugh. As her health began to decline, she never lost her love of people or for having a good time. Though she couldn’t meet people in all of the places she enjoyed going to, she cheered them on from the sidelines, sending text messages or commenting on social media in full support of their fun. God called Erica home to be with Him on Friday, May 3, 2024. As her song, Safe In His Arms, filled the room, Erica slipped into eternity, meeting her Savior in Heaven. She was preceded in death by her parents, Pamela Gardner and Edward Cole; her older sister, Michelle “Missy” Gardner; grandparents, Thomas and Elizabeth Gardner; and aunt, Delores Townsend. Erica leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, Ralph Hankerson, Jr.; three children-Angela, Josiah, and Jeremiah Hankerson; granddaughter, X’riah Hankerson; sister Maria (Roderick) White; parents-in-law, Ralph and Cynthia “Necy” Hankerson, and Patricia Forbes; brother-in-law, Michael Hankerson; sisters-in-law, Tina (Clifford) Pittman, and Felicia Hankerson; nieces Elizabeth “Lizzie” Tucker, La’Keishah Golightly, QueSwanna Gardner, Kinlee Pittman, Makayla, Mackenyze, MaRiyah, and Mayah Hankerson; aunt, Ruth Williams; uncle, John “Buddy” Gardner; and several relatives and friends.

Erica Jeannette Hankerson

January 11, 1974 - May 3, 2024