Scholarship to honor educator

Sandra ClarkObits, West Knoxville

A scholarship fund at the University of Tennessee will memorialize Brenda Hankins Stephenson, who passed away on January 14, 2023, at age 68. Donate to the fund here or make checks payable to “UT Foundation Inc.” at 1525 University Avenue, Knoxville TN 37921. Note on any checks or payment that the gift is in memory of Brenda Kay Hankins.

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, to James and Vera Hankins on February 18, 1954, she later moved to Knoxville to pursue her education at the University of Tennessee. She graduated with a master’s degree in deaf education and dedicated her life to their education. She was a teacher and later principal at Tennessee School for the Deaf. She then continued her influence by becoming an instructor at the University of Tennessee in deaf education.

She was known for having an open-door policy for anyone needing help, whether it be advising students, or those just seeking guidance in their lives. A funeral service was held January 28 at Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church. A link to the full obituary is here.

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