With her family by her side, Beverly Jewel Lawson Hankins, 67, passed from this life to the next on January 24, 2024. 

She believed that even the briefest moments shared with others were an opportunity to brighten someone else’s day, and that belief left a trail of joy everywhere she went.

Forever a champion for underdogs, she always looked for opportunities to lift up others, which even extended to her love of Ole Miss baseball and women’s basketball. Swayze Field was one of her favorite places to be, perhaps only surpassed by riding It’s a Small World at Walt Disney World—again and again—preferably while wearing a huge, colorful hat. 

She was preceded in death by her father Denton Lawson, her mother Betty Ruth Monaghan Lawson, and her brother Denny Lawson. She is survived by her husband J.D., her son Trey, her daughter Madeline White, her son-in-law Charlie White, her granddaughters Caroline and Clara White, her sister Marilyn Lawson, her nephew Tripp Beardain, her niece Gracie Beardain, and her grandniece Avery Beardain. Her generous smile and uplifting spirit will live on in the hearts of all who love her.

The visitation will be held at First Baptist Church, Ripley, MS, from 12-2pm, on Saturday, January 27, 2024, with the funeral service following at 2pm. Ladies are encouraged to wear hats and bright colors. A private graveside service will be held afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Boys and Girls Clubs of North Mississippi, P.O. Box 1098, Tupelo, MS 38802.