FRIDAY
DECEMBER1,2023
8:45AM
HannahO.Jones,atestamenttotheresiliencebornoutofadversity,beganherlife's journeyinQueens,NewYork.However,herearlyyearsunfoldedagainstabackdrop ofpoverty,shapingherintoadeterminedandstrong-willedindividual.Hannah's earlyyearsweremarkedbytheharshrealityofhomelessness.
Alongsidehermotherandbrother,theyfacedtheuncertaintiesoflife,fromthe pickingfieldsinOrangeburg,SC,toekeoutameagerexistence.Thestrugglefor survivalwaspalpable,withmomentswhentheyhadtoconfrontthedaunting specterofhungerandtheloomingthreatofchildprotectiveservicesinterveningdue tothedireconditions.MemoriesoftheYMCA’scotsforbedsortheBattered Women’sShelterstothefieldsofOrangeburg,iswhereshelearnedthevalueof resilienceandthestrengththatcomesfromfacingadversityhead-on.Theexperience leftanindeliblemarkonher,aconstantreminderofthefragilityoflifeandthe importanceofperseverance.
Borntoafamilyentrenchedinpoverty,lifethrewitsshareofhardshipsatherfrom anearlyage.Yet,Hannah'sspiritremainedunbrokenandhersmilesneverwavered.
RaisedinMiamibyasinglemother,lifebecameevenmoredemandingwhenher mother'shealthtookaturnfortheworse.Thesehealthchallengesstartedwhen Hannahwasstillinhighschoolandwouldcontinueformanyyearsthroughouther collegecareer Hannah’smotherwasalsodeterminedtofulfillherlife’sambitionsof graduatingfromhighschoolafter20years.Sheevenbecameacollegegraduateatthe youngageof68andthenagainat70withherMaster’sDegree.Thetrue personificationofDreamsDeferredarenotDreamsDenied.
Hannahfoundherselfatacrossroadswhenhermother,theanchoroftheirsmall family,facedhealthchallenges.Twoheartsurgeriesandamyriadofotherhealth issuesdemandedHannah'simmediateattentionandcare.Withouthesitation,she putherdreamsonholdtoensurethewell-beingofthewomanwhohadgivenher lifeandhadsacrificedsomuchforher.
Shejuggledtheresponsibilitiesofcaringforherailingmotherwhileensuringthat hereducationdidnotfallbythewayside.Itwasadelicatebalancebetweennursing hermotherbacktohealthandpursuingherdreams.
In2016,lifepresentedHannahwithanewrole motherhood.Shewelcomed herdaughter,Brooklyn,intotheworld.Theresponsibilityofbeinganew motheraddedlayersofcomplexitytoherjourney,butitonlystrengthened herresolvetocreateabetterlifeforherdaughter.
In2017,tragedystrucktheJonesfamily,claimingthelifeofHannah's motherMargaretJean“MaggieJean”Jones.Thelosswasprofound,andgrief hungheavyintheair. WhenHannah'smotherpassedawayitleftavoidthat seemedinsurmountable
Inthemidstofhergriefandinthefaceofadversity,Hannahclungtoa promisemadetohermother thepromisetoearnacollegedegree.She refusedtoletthechallengesoflife,thegriefoflosinghermother,orthe demandsofmotherhooddeterherfromthiscommitment.Thedreamof graduatingfromcollegewasnotjustherown;itwasalegacysheintendedto fulfillinhonorofhermother'ssacrifices.
Despitetheoverwhelmingchallenges,Hannah'sdeterminationburned bright.Overthecourseof28years,Hannahnavigatedthediverselandscapes poverty,homelessness,hungerandfearsofjugglingthecomplexitiesoflife. Shecarvedapathtowardeducation,breakingthecycleofpovertythathad grippedherfamilyforsolong.Determinednottoletadversitydefineher, Hannahpressedon,fueledbythememoryofhermother'sunwavering supportandsacrifice.
Hannah'sstoryechoesthroughthecorridorsoftimeasareminderthat circumstancesmayshapeus,buttheydonotdefineus.Inhertriumphover adversity,shebecameabeaconofhope,provingthatwithperseveranceand anunyieldingspirit,onecanriseabovethechallengesthatlifethrowsour way. Finally,thedayhasarrivedwhenHannahwilldonhercapandgown The journeytothatstagehasbeenamarathonofendurance,atestamenttothe indomitablespiritwithinher.Asshewalksacrossthegraduationplatform atTHEALABAMASTATEUNIVERSITY,sheiscarryingnotonlya degreebutthefulfillmentofapromise apromisetoamotherwhohad facedadversitywithunwaveringstrength.
Thank you for the impact that you h d on my
I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Your presence, wisdom, and kindness have shaped me in ways words can hardly capture.
Thank you for being a constant source of inspiration. Your unwavering support and encouragement have fueled my courage during o
Your belief in me has been a guiding light, pushing me to reach heights I never thought possible. Your words of wisdom have been a compass, helping me navigate through the complexities of life.
I am deeply grateful for the countless moments of joy and laughter we've shared. Thank you for your patience during my moments of weakness and your celebration during moments of triumph.
I want you to know that your impact extends far beyond the surface. You have left an indelible mark on my heart and soul.
The lessons you've taught me, the moments we've shared, and the love you've generously given have become an integral part of who I am. i consider myself incredibly fortunate to have you in my life.
Thank y the beautiful souls th nd for making my jou brighter, and ngful. ou.
