OBITUARY Florence Carter Hanes July 15, 1932 – January 21, 2019 Charlotte – Florence Carter Hanes died Monday, January 21, 2019. She was 86 years old. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Florence attended Randolph Macon Women’s College for two years before transferring to UNC Chapel Hill, sight unseen, inspired by her two roommates who were transferring as well.
Florence was proud of the Phi Beta Kappa key that she received upon graduating from UNC where she also met the love of her life. She spotted Jake across the courtyard at the Campus Y one sunny afternoon and would capture his attention for the next 64 years through their courtship and marriage. The two were married in April 1956 and settled in Charlotte, NC where they would make their home and develop many endearing friendships.
Fiercely independent, but tempered with a gracious soft Georgian charm, Florence worked diligently to serve her community, build and maintain a happy home, and spend time with friends. Because of her keen interest in history, Florence worked tirelessly with the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America. She also spent time serving on the Vestry at Christ Church and working with the Charlotte Debutante Club, the Booster Club at Charlotte Country Day School, and the Junior League of Charlotte where she displayed her unique dance talents while sashaying across the stage for the Junior League Follies in the 1970’s.
She enjoyed shuffling a deck of the cards with friends at the bridge table and serving up aces on the tennis court while her knees lasted. Florence was a prolific reader, participating in multiple book clubs at church and in Linville, NC. Her calendar was always full, and Florence was forever on the move.
Florence loved life and believed in living it deeply. She never did anything half-way whether that meant asking one more person to join in, lingering one more hour with friends, playing one more set of tennis or enjoying one more piece of cake. Her deep, boisterous laugh could fill the room causing everyone to turn to hear the joke or watch the joy being shared.
She found delight in everything that she did and every day that she lived. Her southern graciousness ran deep right up until the end, even thanking the nursing staff for her flu shot when she received it. An avid traveler, Florence loved learning about and exploring new places around the world, though the Georgia coast and Linville always held a special place in her heart.
Most of all, Florence loved laughing and enjoying a meal on the terrace surrounded by her family who loved her dearly. Florence is survived by her husband of 62 years, John Jacob “Jake” Hanes of Charlotte, her children Marion Hanes Rutsch (Bob), Chevy Chase, MD, Dudley Hanes Faison (Thad), Charlotte, and Nancy Hanes Sasz (Steve), Charlotte. Florence was affectionately known as “Mimi” by her six grandchildren: Florence Jackson “Poncie” Rutsch, William McHenry “Henry” Rutsch, Harrison Carter Faison, Sarah Dudley “Sally” Sasz, Patricia Cobb “Patsy” Sasz, and Lucy Gillen “Lulu” Sasz.
The family is profoundly grateful to the compassionate staff at Cuthbertson Village at Aldersgate, and to her loving caregivers Letrice Gordon and Barbara Bates. A worship service in the celebration of Florence’s life will be held at 2 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2019 at Christ Episcopal Church, 1412 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC. A reception will follow in the Blue Room.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Foundation for the Carolinas, 220 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC, 28202; the Humane Society of Charlotte, 2700 Toomey Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28203; or Crossnore School and Children’s Home, 100 D A R Drive, Crossnore, NC 28616.
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