Lanelle Dunn Hanke

Born on February 18, 1945 in Biloxi, Mississippi, Lanelle was the daughter of the late William Thomas Dunn and Marion Tauzin Dunn. She grew up in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, where she graduated from Ocean Springs High School.

Lanelle earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, where she studied art and performed as a member of the Dixie Darlings. Later, she earned a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and dedicated many years to teaching gifted education, fostering curiosity and creativity within her students.

Lanelle had many interests and talents: She was an accomplished artist, a teacher, a volunteer genealogist, and an avid reader. She was also a friend to animals, rescuing and caring for many beloved cats and dogs throughout her years.

Lanelle's loved ones are thankful that she was able to give the gift of life to others through organ donation.

She is survived by her loving husband, Charles Hanke; daughter, Lauren Jones and husband David; son, Claiborne “Clay” Janey and wife Christie; step-daughter, Elizabeth Peterson and husband Kurt of Glenwood Springs, Colorado; and six grandchildren. Lanelle is also survived by her sister, Christa Hode and husband Ralph of Ocean Springs, and sister-in-law, Kathleen “Kate” Dunn of Lambertville, New Jersey.

In addition to her parents, Lanelle was preceded in death by her first husband, William “Bill” Coker, and her brother, Harold Dunn.

Visitation will be on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Christ Church in Birmingham, Alabama from 9-10 a.m., followed by A Service of Remembrance for Lanelle Hanke at 10 a.m. at the church, 5091 Caldwell Mill Road, Birmingham, AL 35242.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to The Salvation Army, www.salvationarmyusa.org.