Josephine T. Hanks

Josephine T. Hanks, of Sun City, Arizona, died February 22, 2016 at the Freedom Plaza Care Center. Josephine was born on December 23, 1912, at her family’s residence in Versailles, Illinois. She was the fourth of five daughters of Estaline and Fred Smith.

In 1929 she married Slater Monroe Hanks of Versailles. They owned and operated a food processing plant in Versailles for many years. On October 2, 2004 they celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary with a large party in Peoria, Arizona.

She is survived by her daughter, Audrey Hanks, Sun City, AZ; son, Rodney Hanks, Peoria, AZ; grandchildren Terry Hanks, Quincy, IL, and Melinda Kalb, Clayton, IL; two great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind many wonderful friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Estaline and Fred Smith; her husband, Slater; infant son, Fred; four sisters, Winifred Spoonamore, Lura Martin, Pauline Helms, and Geneva Banks, and four nieces and three nephews.

She and Mr. Hanks moved to Sun City, AZ from Illinois in 1993. They enjoyed their time in Arizona volunteering, traveling, and their church family at First Christian Church of Sun City. Her smile lit up a room. She was loved and admired by all who knew her. She was a wonderful mother and role model, both patient and kind. She made the right choices and set a strong example for her children and grandchildren. She left a lasting legacy. All were fortunate to have known her.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday February 27, 2016 at First Christian Church of Sun City, 14001 N. Thunderbird Blvd., Sun City, Arizona. All attendees are invited to a luncheon in Fellowship Hall at the church immediately following the service. Josephine will be interred at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City, AZ.