Marsha Kendall Hanes

Marsha was born on January 8,1947 in Evansville, IN to the late Lt. Col. John Emerson Kendall (US Air Force) and Virginia Nell King Kendall, of Sebree, Kentucky. After several military moves early in life, her family settled in Columbia, SC where she later graduated from Columbia High School. She went on to pursue a BS degree in elementary education from Winthrop University (Rock Hill, SC), graduating in 1969.

Marsha was a dedicated elementary educator who began her teaching career in Columbia, SC in 1970. She married her husband of 54 years, Clyde Walton “Walt” Hanes, Jr. of Holly Hill, SC, and went on to teach for several years in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, before moving back to the Carolinas and spending the majority of her career in both the Hickory City (Viewmont Elementary) and Catawba County (St. Stephens Elementary) school systems. Marsha approached teaching with excitement, adventure and a true compassion for her students, earning Hickory City’s “Teacher of the Year” award in 1989. In 2011, after 40 years of devoted service in the classroom, she retired to enjoy more time with the family and friends she held so dear. She is remembered by former students, coworkers and fellow staff as being passionate about her calling and working hard to truly make a difference to all who knew and worked with her.

In addition to her teaching career, Marsha was an active member of both the Alpha Delta Kappa and Delta Kappa Gamma professional women educators societies. She was involved in the Service League of Hickory and stayed active in her church, for many years at St. Luke's UMC and most recently Corinth Reformed Church.

Marsha had a zest for life and worked hard to cultivate and care for the many friendships and relationships that came through the years. She could always be found looking for ways to chip in, give back and help those around her in need. She was regarded as funny, fierce, loyal, caring and hardworking. Marsha was known to be a kind and gracious hostess, an incredible wife and mother, a loving sister, a caring and compassionate friend, a devoted Clemson Tigers football fan and the best, most involved “Noni” to her two grandchildren, Ben and Caroline.

Unfortunately, Marsha was plagued by a nine year battle with lymphoma, which she bore with grace, humor, bravery and strength. Her journey was an inspiration to all of those around her and she was forever grateful for all of the love, support, care and kindness that surrounded her. She was confident in her faith and her family rests easy knowing she is in the comfort of her Lord in heaven.

Marsha is survived by her husband, Walt Hanes; her daughter, Erin Hartless (Brian); her two grandchildren, Ben and Caroline; her brother, Larry Kendall; and her sister, Jan Geyer.

A visitation will be held at Drum Funeral Home, 940 29th Ave NE, Hickory, NC, on Friday, June 19, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A remembrance service will be held at Corinth Reformed Church, 150 16th Ave NW, Hickory, NC on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 11 a.m.

Memorials may be made to the Tunnel to Towers organization at t2t.org.

Online condolences may be made at www.drumfh-hickory.com

Drum Funeral Home in Hickory is honored to be assisting the Hanes family.