Mary Louise Ready Hanks

mary hanks

December 19, 1939 ~ September 23, 2023

Born in: Richton, Mississippi
Resided in: Asheville, North Carolina

Mary Louise Ready Hanks, 83, of Asheville, passed away peacefully at her residence on
September 23, 2023.

A native of Richton, MS, Louise was the youngest of two daughters of the late Joseph Lee Ready and Lucille Graham Ready. She was also preceded in death by her former husband, W. Neal Hanks Sr.

Louise was a beach lover and resided in Gulf Shores Alabama for many years. She was an avid reader and passionate about the sport of golf. She loved tournament play and served in numerous capacities for the Ladies Golf Association of the Biltmore Forest Country club, including terms on its executive committee and as its president. She also served as a co-chair of the 2013 US Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship. Louise was a beloved middle school teacher at Asheville Country Day School and a member of All Souls Cathedral in Biltmore Village.

Louise loved to cook and to entertain family and friends, specializing in southern cuisine and seafood. Her favorite holiday was Thanksgiving, as she was able to gather with family and friends and enjoy laughter, fellowship and a wonderfully cooked meal. Regardless of the occasion, she cherished spending time with her friends and family, especially her grandchildren, of whom she was very proud. She had a very special relationship with each of them. Louise genuinely loved and was loved by many.

She is survived by her sister, Helen Joyce Pinnix, a daughter, Ashley Hanks Fryar; a son, W. Neal Hanks, Jr. (Amy); and five grandchildren, Ellie Russo, Veronica Hanks, Kate Hanks, Nicholas Hanks and Robert Hanks.

A celebration of Louise’s life will be held starting at 2:00 PM on Friday, September 29 in the Chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian in Arden. Her family will greet friends at the funeral home immediately following the service.

Flowers are appreciated, but for those who choose, memorial donations may be made
to https://food-connection.org/

Services

Celebration of Life: September 29, 2023 2:00 pm

Room: Chapel

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704

(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

Visitation: September 29, 2023 3:00 pm

Room: Main Hall

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704

(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

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Guestbook

  1. Neal and Amy. We are sending our love and prayers to you and your entire family. We all know that our Mothers are the glue in our families and their loss is immeasurable. While we never met Louise, we know she raised a fine son and family and that speaks volumes. Please be comforted in your amazing memories of her. All our best. Doris and Stan Longworth

    • Neal, Amy, and family, Carol and I want to express our sincere sympathy in the loss of your Mother, and know we will be lifting you up in our daily prayers.

  2. Louise Hanks I knew for many years. She was always wonderful to me as I was a long time employee of B.F.C.C. she loved to laugh, play golf, and she loved her friends. She was a friend to me. She and Freda VanBlaricom, Margaret Plaisance and Betsy Biggers played lots of golf together. They giggled about the crazy shots, they didn’t take it too seriously. They would still be laughing when they came in the shop. They were so much fun. We will all miss this special lady.

  3. Neal, I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful mother. Please know Steve and I are sending many hugs and love to you and Amy and your family.

  4. Neal, Amy, and family – My condolences on Mrs. Hanks’ passing. Though I did not know her, I’m aware of her goodness and caring for people which is reflected through Neal as a generously compassionate community leader. Neal, and Amy are both very highly regarded and respected in our community, which I’m sure made your mother a proud lady. Thinking of the Hanks family during this difficult time.

  5. Neal, Amy, and family – My condolences on Mrs. Hanks’ passing. Though I did not know her, I’m aware of her goodness and caring for people which is reflected through Neal as a generous and compassionate community leader. Neal, you and Amy are both very highly regarded and respected in our community, which I’m sure made your mother a proud lady. Thinking of the Hanks family during this difficult time.

  6. Neal and Amy and family,

    Our hearts go out to you as this is surely a huge loss. Sounds like she was a wonderful woman who left a beautiful legacy still, it’s never easy to say goodbye. Please let us know if we can do anything at all for you and Amy.

    Sincerely,

    Ben & Amanda Hill

  7. We are so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. Prayers said lifting you up for comfort and the Peace the Lord provides during a loss. Thinking and praying for you all!

  8. Sending love and prayers to you Neal, Amy and Ashely. Your sweet mother will certainly be missed by all who were fortunate to know her.

  9. Neal and Amy
    Is there anyone more special than a mother? I think not. Please accept my sympathies and continue to raise
    your family in the spirit your mother raised her family

  10. Neal, Gwen and were sorry to hear of Louise’s passing. We really enjoyed getting to know her as a neighbor and friend. Our condolences to your family.

  11. So sorry to hear of louise passing I visited with her last year and had a great visit we talked about when we were in high school she and I were phi kappa sweethearts our senior year she was a beauty and sweet to everyone will remember her always

  12. Neal and Ashley, I was sorry to hear about the passing of Louise. I have not seen her in years, but I remember her and Joyce fondly. Losing a mother is never easy. Please relay my condolences to Joyce also.
    Jenny Ready Daniels
    Richton, MS

  13. So sorry to hear about your Mom. She was a true southern lady. She was loved by so many people. I will be sendings prayers your way…….

  14. I deeply mourn the loss of my cherished friend, Louise Ready Hanks. Our bond traces back to our early days as educators in Chickasaw, Alabama, long before we embraced the joys of motherhood. Their journey later took them to Moulton, Alabama, and subsequently to North Carolina. I had the privilege of visiting Asheville multiple times, cherishing those memories deeply. Louise was the epitome of grace and beauty, fondly remembered as ‘Miss Biloxi High’. Her spirit will forever be etched in my heart.

  15. Ashley, Neal, and Amy, praying for the you and all the kids at this time. Louise was an angel to our family and a true blessing to me in the recent years never failing to provide encouragement as I battled cancer. Now she is home with God where angels belong and that is worth celebrating when reflecting about her incredible life with all of us. Blessings to all of you…Matt

  16. Ashley, Neal and Family, I was so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I have wonderful memories of her as my teacher but also of times spent with her and you all as children. She was a special person and a dear friend of my mother. I still make her black beans and rice exactly as she taught me. My thoughts and prayers will be with you all.

  17. Neal and Amy
    So sorry to hear about your loss you know your mom was a fine lady and well respected and always lots of fun.
    My heart goes out to you for your loss

  18. Ashley & family, I’m so sorry about the passing of your mom. She was my favorite neighbor in Gulf Shores and we spent many evenings enjoying our glass of wine while watching the sunset together. I will always remember her fondly.

  19. Hanks Family,

    Today I read about my beautiful friend, Louise, and her passing in September 2023. I was her next door neighbor, Deanna Harvey, at EW condo in Gulf Shores. We shared many heartfelt times together, our Faith, Family and love of God’s beautiful blessings looking at the serene waters from our cozy view of the beach. I will always treasure our friendship and time together as a special blessing. My prayers for your family in memory of Louise.


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