Anna Lukes Hartzes fell asleep in the Lord on Friday, May 15, 2026. She was preceded by her husband of 61 years, Evans Tito Hartzes, brother, Nicholas George Lukes, sister, Evangelia Lukes Kordomenos, infant son Mark, brother Vassilis Nicholas Lukes, and parents Maria Xenakis and George Nicholas Lukes, both from the island of Ikaria, Greece.
She is survived by her sister, Bess Lukes Collias, son, Michael Evans Hartzes (Irene), granddaughters Anastasia Hartzes Hirschy (Father Micah) and Evangelia Hartzes Grevenitis (Yiannis); great-grandchildren Penelope, Aris, and Isadora Grevenitis and Michalis Hirschy; godsons George Hartzes, Jr., and John Kordomenos; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and -nephews.
Anna was born on July 15, 1929, in Mobile, Alabama, where she remained a resident and lifelong member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. A graduate of Murphy High School, she worked for two years as a journalist for the Mobile Press Register. A true trailblazer and independent spirit, she was the first in her family to attend college, and one of the earliest women in the Greek community to do so, as well. She studied education at Alabama College (now University of Montevallo), before teaching English at Kate Shephard Elementary School in Mobile. After marrying Tito on August 29, 1954, they made their home in Mobile. A homemaker in married life, she continued writing by authoring short stories for children; later in life, she enjoyed golfing and tennis as a long-term member of Skyline (Heron Lakes) Country Club, where she continued playing both until her late eighties. Indeed, she passed along her passion for reading and sports to her son, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, of whom she was deeply proud.
A devoted mother and grandmother, Anna would make koulourakia and other Greek cookies; enjoying them became part of the family’s daily life. She also shared her Greek heritage with her family by sharing stories of her parents relatives, and cooking family recipes from the island of Ikaria. Especially cherished are memories of the many family gatherings she took joy in hosting and attending on holidays, weekends, or those innumerable shared moments where the celebration was simply being with someone she loved.
She leaves a legacy of valuing not only those momentous life occasions, but celebrating everyday moments spent with those we love.
Funeral services will be held from Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 10 a.m. The family will receive friends at the church from 9 a.m. until the service hour. Interment will be in Pine Crest Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Mobile, Alabama. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com.
Yesterday, O Christ, I was buried with You, and today I arise with Your rising. Glorify me, O Savior, with You in Your Kingdom.
-Paschal Canon, Ode
