Alice McDonnell

Sunrise: May 22, 1951                 Sunset: February 10, 2019

Alice Joyce Hankins was born on May 22, 1951, in Hollywood, California.There she lived with her birth mother and grandmother, Ruby Dixon. She is affectionately known to  us as Joyce, but she fondly spoke of her grandmother who referred to her as Alice and taught her the essence of being a young lady. Proper etiquette and manner was a must. She exemplified those traits throughout her life. 

As a young girl her father, Robert Wonderful Hankins become custodial parent and she moved with him and his wife Juanita to Las Vegas, NV. She spoke about her childhood home as being filled with pets, love and fruit trees. It was in this home that Alice received her to have spirit of excellence, incredible character, and exceptional work ethic.

One of her favorite scriptures was Isaiah 54:13, "And all my children shell be taught of the Lord, and great shall by the peace of thy children." This was definitely the case in childhood home. Bible study and prayer were the standard in the Hankins' home. At the age 12, destiny met purpose and the Hankins family moved three houses away from the Parson family. These families became friends and Joyce, her parents and sister, Edith, helped Elder and Mother Parson found what become Vegas View Church of God in Christ (COGIC). As a teenager Joyce found what became Choir, and Sunday School. Her thirst for knowledge was insatiable. Her level of intellect was amazing!Throughout her life she never stopped learning. The scripture Isaiah 54:13 and the skills and knowledge she gained as a teen and young woman at Vegas View was a driving force throughout her life as she led, developed and oversaw multiple youth auxiliaries and ministries, while raising three children. 

Joyce graduated from Rancho High School in 1969 and enrolled at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. It was at Vegas View COGIC that Joyce met the love of her life Charles McDonnell. They married in October of 1972. Her circle of family grew as the McDonnell family was great in number.  They loved her as a sister. The Lord took Charles home in February of 193. She often spoke of how they were not just husband and wife, but good friends. Together they birth three beautiful children: Jabari, Jamila and Janina. She always put them first. They were her blessing and greatest joy. When necessary,  she worked two jobs to make their needs were met. Jabari, Jamila and Janina were active in school, church and sports. She cultivated a home life that was nurturing and structured. Although she was busy with work and church, she always took the time for her children. They often went to the movies or gathered in front of the TV for quality time. She was a mother and role model. She was a confidant and comforter. She encouraged and disciplined. She was a good cook and passed that passion on to her daughters. Everyone knows her macaroni and cheese was the best! She was intentional in her love for her children. It began with their names, of which she was so proud of. Jabari means brave. Jamila means beautiful. Janina means God is gracious. She was everything a mother should be and more.