Imani Janae Hand

Imani Janae Hand was born on May 25, 1989, to Angela Jewell Jordan and Daniel James Hand in Austin, Texas.

She entered the world with a light and an energy that refueled all who laid eyes on her. She was given the name Imani which means faith and is the profound belief in and commitment to all that is of value to the family, community, and people.

When Imani was born, she inspired her family, community, and people around her to reinvest in their beliefs and commitment to each other.

You see, Imani was born with special circumstances of developmental and physical disabilities, yet she triumphed over medical professionals' diagnosis of a one (1) year life expectancy.

Faith, strength and love allowed Imani to not only live beyond that year, but she flourished - graduating from Shaker Heights High School in 2011.

Imani went on to attend the United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Cleveland program where she obtained skills in becoming a paper shredder, attended social activities and gained friendships.

Imani's favorite pastime was receiving head massages from her weekly shampoo and conditioner routine. As well as, hanging out with her best friend and medical aide Vercina Burton aka "Ms. Tina". You would often find the two of them singing along to gospel hymns or sitting on the front porch socializing with neighbors. Imani and Ms. Tina were inseparable.

Imani loved listening to music! A few of her favorite artists were: Kem, Beyonce and the soundtrack for 2006 rendition of the Dreamgirls musical. Anytime Imani heard children no matter if they were laughing or crying, she would respond with a gleeful laughter.

Imani created her own language to communicate with the world. One of her frequent forms was what her mom called "playing possum." When Imani was not in the mood to socialize, she would close her eyes and pretend to be asleep. When she was ready to engage, she would peek through one eye or listen for certain voices to identify who was in the room. It became a family affair to catch her and call her out for fake sleeping; anticipating seeing a smile peek through the look of guilt on her face as she would then open her eyes.

Imani was a person of tranquility; her pure soul was not paralyzed by health nor disability challenges that life threw her way. She built a rewarding life of giving and receiving love from her family and friends.

Imani transitioned at home peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, October 1, 2022. She is survived by her mother-Angela Jewell Hand, Father-Daniel James Hand (Joseph Danyale Little), Maternal Grandmother-Jewell "Jackie" Jordan, Sister-Esha Joy Hand-Goodwin (Juan Goodwin), Nieces-Lily Jade & Lena Jewell Goodwin, godmother-Adrianne Addison, uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.