Abbie Hanks Evans

Abbie Hanks Evans, 87, the beloved wife of William for 66 years, passed away April 13, 2013 at home surrounded by her immediate family. Abbie is survived by her husband, three daughters, Jo Lynn Homertgen of Livermore, CA, Rebecca Goltra of Bellflower, CA and Elizabeth Jones of Pleasant Hill, CA, seven grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.

Abbie courageously fought cancer while still playing golf, her favorite pastime, as well as enjoying two dream vacations, first a visit to her treasured Hanks family in Mississippi last September followed by a two-week cruise through the Panama Canal in November.

Born in Shelby, Mississippi, on March 27, 1926, she cherished her southern roots and enjoyed her position as the matriarch of the Hanks family. Her five brothers, William, Graham, James, Harvey, and Winston preceded her in death, but because devotion to family was a central value in her life she maintained a close relationship with her nieces and nephews in both Mississippi and California. Abbie was also preceded in death by her first husband, Army pilot, Lt. Charles Wilson and by her sons, David and Charles.

Although in failing eyesight, Abbie was never without a book or crossword puzzle in her lap. She was also an amateur bird watcher and particularly enjoyed the hummingbird that graced the feeder on their patio, so much so that the bird was named, “On Guard.”

Moving to the Sun Lakes Community of Banning, CA twenty years ago, retirement was filled with entertaining games of golf. Although she played mainly for fun and the great camaraderie of wonderful friends, she was particularly proud of her achievement in 2004 when she was selected Club Champion of the Lady Niners.

In addition to golf, another sports loyalty was USC football. Season ticket holders for over sixty years, Abbie’s social and work calendar was tailored to Trojan game days. As a supervisor and customer service representative at J.C. Penney's for 25 years, her work schedule always allowed her attendance at all USC home games.

Abbie’s family and friends celebrated her life and faith at services at Weaver Mortuary and her parish, Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church in Beaumont. There will be a private interment in June at Riverside National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to Tutwiler Clinic, Tutwiler, Mississippi.