Annie Pearl Shanks

Mrs. Annie Pearl (Dawson) Shanks, born January 8, 1917, in Stanford, Kentucky. She was the baby of 11 children, born to the late William and Elizabeth (Lizzie) Dawson. She was educated in the Stanford, Kentucky School System, and graduated from the Lincoln High School.

Mrs. Shanks moved to Cincinnati, Ohio in 1942, and in 1943 she married Robert W. Shanks. Mr. Shanks was also from Stanford, Kentucky. To this union, one daughter was born, Aleneitha A. Shanks Crews (Benjamin).
Annie accepted Christ at a young age and was baptized at the First Baptist Church of Stanford. Upon arriving in Cincinnati, Annie united with the Shiloh Baptist Church, under the pastorate of Rev. M. J. Mangham. She later united with the First Baptist Church of Cumminsville, under the pastorate of Rev. Nick Samuels. She also served faithfully under Rev. James Felton, and Rev. George Southerland, on the Usher Board, Willing Workers, Kitchen Committee, and as Chairperson of the annual Unity Day Tea, until her health began to fail. A few years ago, Annie was honored as one of the 50 (plus) year members of First Baptist. As one of the oldest members of the church, she was asked to participate in the groundbreaking for the new addition of the church. Her current pastor is Rev. Ronnie Dupuy.

Mrs. Shanks was a resident of South Cumminsville, for more than 78 years, and was a very dedicated member of the South Cumminsville Community Council. In 2015, she was honored as the oldest living member of the community, and when the new Powers Street Bridge was dedicated, she was asked to speak at the dedication ceremony.

Annie and her sister, Sophia Shanks, were the last two surviving siblings for many years, until Sophia’s demise in 2002. Annie and Sophia were practically inseparable. While Sophia was in the nursing home, Annie was always there, visiting, feeding dinner to her sister, taking food & baked goods to the employees, and taking care of Sophia’s laundry. She also befriended family members of some of the patients, and they became a part of her extended family. Annie and Sophia were not only close sisters, but they were married to brothers, Robert & James Shanks, both of whom are deceased.

Annie was truly loved & adored by her many nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members, and friends. They have always looked out for her and were intentional about showing her just how much she was loved. She held an annual family and friend’s dinner, between Christmas and New Year’s Day, where she cooked all of the food, including her delicious Pretzel Salad, all deserts, and her delicious homemade Christmas Cookies. A good time, of food and fellowship was had by all.

In the mid 1960’s, Annie stepped in as a mother, and grandmother to her great-niece, Shirley Mullins & family, after the demise of her niece, Margaret. She loved spending Christmas Day at the Mullins’ house, surrounded by many loved ones. She was also grateful for her great-great nephew, Darryl Mullins, who helped her plant, and care for her wonderful garden, that she was so proud of.

In early years, Mrs. Shanks was employed at the Children’s Hospital, and Cincinnati Public School System. She later worked for the Hyman, Rollman, and Kulkarni Families. They all loved her, and treated her, and Aleneitha as members of their families. Mrs. Anita Hyman, and daughters, Barbara, Judy, and Susan attended Annie’s 90th Birthday Celebration, in 2007. In honor of Annie’s 95th Birthday in 2012, “A Circle of Five Trees” were planted in the Coretta Scott King Forest, in The Galilee Region of Northern Israel. They were planted with love, by Judy, Susan, and Barbara. Susan also attended the 100th Birthday Celebration, and on behalf of she and her sisters, presented Annie with a pictorial book, that captured a wonderful childhood family history, that was written by Annie, and pictures of the Shanks/Dawson & Hyman families. That love from the Hyman daughters, continues today, and for that, we are so grateful.

Mrs. Shanks was a faithful, and dedicated member of the Greater Cincinnati Choral Union, under the Presidency of her niece, Dr. Dorothea Shanks, and current President, Ms. Joyce Johnson. She served many years as a Youth Supervisor, and later as the Head Youth Supervisor. When her health allowed her, she baked many pies, cakes, and cookies, to help with the Bake Sale fundraisers, that aided the youth & young adults to attend their annual convention. She was also a proud member of the National Convention of Gospel Choirs & Choruses, Inc., founded by the late Dr. Thomas A. Dorsey. She was also a regular participant in the convention’s annual Supervisor’s March, where she consistently raised the most money, and as a result, won many trophies. In later years, Mrs. Shanks was blessed with the status of “Honorary Member” of the Greater Cincinnati Choral Union, which she no longer had to pay a yearly membership fee.

Annie lived independently in her own home, until less than two years ago, when her health began to fail. Her daughter, Aleneitha, and son-in-law, David, took her in, and took excellent care of her. In the last few months, she lived with her oldest granddaughter & husband, Lauren & Dwayne Goodwin. She again received excellent care from them, along with their children and grandchildren. Thank You!

Annie was affectionately referred to as, Mama, Grandma, Aunt Ann, Ann, Annie, Cousin Ann, and Mrs. Shanks. Annie had wonderful neighbors, such as Debbie, Kendall, Sandra Faulkner, Ms. Tee, Ms. Effie, who looked out for her. There were also some church members who regularly checked up on her. Not only did she get a lot of attention, but she made it her business to visit the sick, and call to check on family members, and friends, while her health allowed.

Annie, being the Matriarch of the Shanks and Dawson Families, attended the last family reunion in 2018, hosted in Louisville, Kentucky. Everyone was quite excited, and surprised that she was able to get there. She received lots of cheers and a standing ovation, as she arrived at the picnic, with Lauren & Dwayne. We’ve heard the saying, that “where there’s a will, there’s a way”. She had the will, and Lauren & Dwayne made the way.
Annie was a Pillar of Strength, with a sharp mind, that recited beautiful poems at various services. She also knew a lot of family history and shared her wisdom with us. She always admonished the family to “Stay Together”. Our family is thankful to God that he loaned her to us for these blessed 103 years, and 10 months, and even that was not long enough. Her nephew, Charles Shanks, was also blessed to share the same birthdate of January 8th. Annie was called to her Heavenly Home on Friday, November 6, 2020.

The Shanks and Dawson Families have a wealth of memories, knowledge, and a wonderful legacy to cherish for many years to come. We are forever grateful and truly blessed that we had the opportunity to have Mrs. Annie P. Shanks, pour into our lives.

She leaves to cherish her memory and legacy, her daughter: Aleneitha A. Crews (Benjamin); Grandchildren, Lauren Goodwin (Dwayne), and Traci Crews, 4 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many friends.