Georgia Hanner

Georgia Hanner, 77, of Grand Ledge, went to be with God on January 10, 2013. Georgia had been working hard to recover from a massive stroke that occurred on November 18, 2012. After much hard work in rehabilitation, she suddenly became ill with pneumonia and passed quickly. Georgia was born January 1, 1936 in Arden, North Carolina to parents Marion Gibson and Martha Freeman. She was preceded in death by siblings Norman and Alvin Gibson and Nancy Sutton, son Philip Parker, nephew Jason Davidson and grandson Tony Thybault. Georgia is survived by her sisters Phyllis (Robert), Judy, Penny, Cindy and brothers Howard, Fred (Paige), Ray, and Tim and several nieces and nephews. Also surviving are daughters Carol Hanner, Lisa Bonney (Jim) and Marie Parker, grandchildren Angie and Michael Parker, Shaun and Kendra Williams, Neil Thybault, Lori Burkart (David), Melissa and Hunter Bonney, and great grandchildren Octivia Delien, Cody and Mikayla Thybault, Eden Frederickson, Eliza and Taylor Williams, Ethan, Lakota and Kayleigh Williams. Georgia worked for Unisys Corporation starting as a clerk in 1969 and worked her way up to a telecommunications analyst at the time of her retirement in 1990. She was a very dedicated and hardworking single mother. She often sacrificed while instilling confidence, faith and strength in her three children. She lovingly looked after everyone in her family. She was a caregiver to her sister Nancy for many years. She also spent several days a week for many years taking care of her son, Philip, who suffered from diabetes complications. Her granddaughter, Angie, remembers when her grandmother blatantly refused to take a vacation. She asked her “Why don’t take a break and get a way for a few days?”; Her response was, “How can I do that when my son is sick and needs me?!”. Georgia was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She also found joy in spoiling her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Angie, Lori, Hunter and Melissa all retold stories of times spent with Gramma during sleepovers. She often picked up outfits for her great granddaughters while she was out shopping, she attended sporting events and school functions, and Gramma never forgot a birthday. She had a special bond with her grandson, Michael. He spent many weekend afternoons at Gramma’s house playing Scrabble; Which she cheated at, often! Several family members have told the story of catching Gramma turning over letters to use them as blanks. She often amused people with her quick wit as well. Just a few days after her stroke, not yet able to open her eyes, she was cracking jokes. At the hospital while talking about a haircut, her grandson, Neil, asked if she wanted him to give her a mohawk and she responded, “No, I want a tattoo!”. Some of Georgia’s favorite pastimes included keeping up with politics, crossword puzzles, reading, cheating at Scrabble and Phase Ten, and she always looked forward to trips to the casino with Don and Betty. She was also an active member of Delta Mills United Methodist Church. Above all, Georgia truly valued her time spent with loved ones. She lived a full life making memories that her family will cherish. A funeral service will take place at 11 am on Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 900 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48912. Visitation will take place Monday, January 14, 2013 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. A luncheon will follow at Delta Mills UMC, 6809 Delta River Drive, Lansing, MI 48906. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery, Lansing, MI. Paulette Cheyne, pastor at Delta Mills UMC will be officiating. Pallbearers are Fred Gibson, Jim Bonney, Don Thybault, Michael Parker, Neil Thybault, Michael Davidson and Robert Davidson as an honorary pallbearer. The eulogy will be given by a close friend of the family, Mike Harris. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Michigan (American) Diabetes Association, 1701 North Beauregard Street Alexandria, VA 22311. 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383), https://donations.diabetes.org/site/Donation2?df_id=7680&7680.donation=form1&loc=donatepg&s_src=dorg&s_src=donatepg or donation of non-perishable food to Delta Mills UMC to be given to various food banks. Special thanks to University of Michigan Hospital, Neurological Intensive Care and Step Down Care Units, Capital Area Health and Rehabilitation Center, St. Lawrence Emergency Room, and Sparrow Hospital Intensive Care Unit. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.grlansing.com