Freeman Hankins

Freeman Hankins was an American politician and funeral director who served as a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate for the 7th district from 1969 to 1988. He also served in the Pennsylvania [House of Representatives] for Philadelphia county from 1961 to 1968. He was a Democrat.

Early life and education

Hankins was born in Brunswick, Georgia to Oliver and Anna Pyles Hankins. He was African-American. He attended the Friendship School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Selden Institute, and Temple University. He graduated from Dolan's College of Embalming in 1945.

Hankins served in the Medical Corps (United [States Army)|Medical Corps] from 1944 to 1947 and began a career as a funeral director.
He served on the Democratic Committee of Philadelphia's 6th ward and as vice-chairman of Philadelphia's Democratic Committee. He served as a trustee of Lincoln University and the Stephen Smith Geriatric Center.
He died at the University of [Pennsylvania Hospital] in 1988 and is interred at the Fernwood Cemetery in Yeadon, Pennsylvania.