Josephine T. Hanks

JOSEPHINE T. HANKS

SUN CITY, Arizona - Josephine T. Hanks, 103, of Sun City, Arizona, died February 22, 2016, at 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 of Sun City, Arizona; a son, Rodney Hanks of Peoria, Arizona; grandchildren, Terry Hanks of Quincy, Illinois, and Melinda Kalb of Clayton, Illinois; 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; an infant son, Fred; four sisters, Winifred Spoonamore, Lura Martin, Pauline Helms and Geneva Banks; four nieces; and three nephews.

She and Mr. Hanks moved to Sun City, Arizona, from Illinois in 1993. They enjoyed their time in Arizona volunteering and 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.

Josephine will be interred at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City, Arizona.