She was born August 7, 1943 in Tulsa, Texas to Geronimo and Irene Thomas.

Aurora was the third to the oldest of eleven children and loved being with her family. As a mother of five sons, she was known for being a hard worker, a provider, and an inspiring role model. She led by design and knew early on, the importance of teaching them to be strong, honest and hard-working. Being a single mother of three was a difficult journey but despite the sea of rough waters, her moral compass and her faith in GOD, remained firm.

She held a variety of jobs during the course of her career, from meat-packing companies to driving large vehicles to her last employer, Baylor Hospital where she worked for over 20 years before retiring. Her work friends respected, highly valued and loved her. One of her accomplishments was job dedication proven by being awarded five consecutive years for perfect attendance. Even icy days couldn't stop her.

Being around family and the center of attention was one of her greatest pleasures, simply because she loved to laugh. She was known for her “dichos”, threatening to spank her daughters with a “chancla” that could turn corners, and making awesome tortillas.

As adults, she knew if her children were together, there would be laughter. While they had a special place in her heart, nothing could compare to her grand-children and great-grandchildren. During their school ages, she would go after work to pick them up from school, she always listened to them and generously gave them whatever they wanted. As they got older, they showered her with prized drawings, brought flowers, took her on vacation, to dinner, shared ice cream and created many special memories. Most cherished were the thousands of smooches she received from her grandchildren, their families and all those who were around her.

The men in the family played a special part in her life as they catered to her, helped take care of her and serviced this matriarch, when she needed them most. Her pretty smile flourished while being pampered and tended to, as she expressed gratitude many times over.

Though she had her moments of love and compassion, she was known for telling the truth, even when it was not what you wanted to hear. If she was upset, those around her knew it. Feisty she was, and she wore that hat proudly.

When she retired at 62, she enjoyed her “me” time. She loved Tejano music, watching her favorite novelas, working on crossword puzzles and reading. She loved talking about her childhood, sharing Hernandez family memories, her personal journey and lessons learned. She was very loved and will be greatly missed by all.

She is survived by her sons: Ricky Hankins; Timothy Hankins, Joshua Hankins and Relford Hankins; her sister Teresa Thomas; her grandchildren, Jaden Hankins, Sierra Hankins, Natalie Hankins, Chasity Johnson, Marquis Hankins, Maurice Hankins, and Betty Perkins. 

Viewing will be held on Tuesday, October 4 2022 from 4:00 PM- 8:00 PM

Memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 05, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Butler Funeral Home 2103 E 3rd St, Tulsa, OK 74104

The burial service will immediately follow the service.

Feel free to wear purple on Wednesday in her honor.