Mary D. Hanes

Mary Lucia Dantzler Hanes of Holly Hill, SC peacefully entered into Eternal Rest on Sunday, September 13 2015. Affectionately called "Miss Mary" by many, she moved from her home in Holly Hill in June of 2014 to reside in Assisted Living at Franke At Seaside in Mount Pleasant. She was predeceased in death in 2000 by her beloved husband of 55 years, Clyde Walton Hanes, Sr.Mary is now survived by their three children, Clyde Walton Hanes, Jr (Marsha) of Hickory, North Carolina, Mary Lu Norris (Edward) of Murrells Inlet, SC, and John William Hanes, Sr. (Susan) of Eutawville SC. She will be fondly remembered as "Nana" by her five grandchildren: Patrick Norris (Mandy) of Mount Pleasant SC, Erin Hartless (Brian) of Fairfax, Virginia, Walton Norris (Elizabeth) of Decatur, Georgia, Bill Hanes (Rachelle) of Meeker, Oklahoma, and Melissa Cawthorn (Robert) of Chesapeake, Virginia. Additionally, Mary cherished moments with her nine great-grandchildren: Kendall Gail Norris, Benjamin Charles Hartless, Roxie Jean Hanes, Charles Patrick Norris, Brooks Keating Norris, Caroline Virginia Hartless, Ann Carlyle Norris, Mary Alice Norris, and Riley Jane Hanes. Born in Eutawville SC to Leroy Adair Dantzler and Inez Matilda Westbury Dantzler, Mary had three loving siblings who pre-deceased her: Dr. John W. Dantzler, Sr., Inez Matilda Dantzler Covington and Leroy Adair Dantzler, Jr. The bonds of family love were supremely important to her, and in her 95 years she did her best to impress upon her children and extended family the importance of caring and nurturing each other. To some of her nieces and nephews she became "Momma Mary", and the deaths of niece Alice Dantzler and nephew Colin Covington were difficult for her. Mary is survived by a number of nieces and nephews. She was a graduate of Winthrop College (now University) and immediately upon graduation began her long teaching career, from the town of Norway, SC to the SC Coast in Beaufort , in Holly Hill and finally to Orangeburg. Through the years she taught assorted subjects, among them Biology, Chemistry and Home Economics, and became both an English Specialist and a Math Specialist. She especially enjoyed her elementary school students, remarking at the end of each school year, "This was such a wonderful group of children! I'll never have another like it". By the end of the following year, she would again make the same declaration. It was not until she was 80 years old that she retired as Adult Sunday School Teacher at Holly Hill United Methodist Church, having served in that position for a record number of years. She enjoyed teaching this class, and her Bible is a well-worn testament to her personal Bible study and commitment to her God. Mary had recently been looking forward to being recognized on Sunday, November 1 as Holly Hill United Methodist Church's oldest member. On that date the church will celebrate its 125th year of ministry. For several years Mary served Providence Methodist Church as Organist and Pianist, and for over 30 years she played for many a wedding in the Orangeburg County area. She received her formal musical training at Winthrop. Music was always a part of her life, and it thrilled her to find so many professional concerts taking place at Franke At Seaside. In her Holly Hill home, her beloved piano saw much use through the years. She was a member of The Moultrie Chapter DAR in Orangeburg, as were her mother, her sister, and her daughter. She was a founding member of the Ivy Garden Club and The Holly Hill Music Club.Remembering that she was a Child of God, Mary Hanes followed the teachings of Jesus Christ, ever reminding family and friends to "Love One Another". She will be remembered as a loving mother, a caring friend, a lady of Southern charm, and a very special Nana to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In every way, she was a blessing.A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 19 at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary of Holly Hill United Methodist Church. The family will greet friends following the service. A private Service of Committal is to be held at 10:00 a.m. at Holly Hill Cemetery. Officiating minister will be The Reverend Cooper Stonestreet. It is suggested that memorials be made to Holly Hill United Methodist Church, English Handbell Choir Ministry; P.O Box 398, Holly Hill SC 29059 or to the charity of one's choice.