Joretta Jones Hanks went to her heavenly home on November 4, 2022. She was born in Pulaski, Virginia on
May 16, 1937. She was a graduate of Pulaski High School and attended the University of Delaware. She
married Elray Hanks on September 1, 1956 and recently celebrated 66 years of marriage. She was preceded
in death by her mother, Sylvia Jones; father, Clifton Jones and sister, Janice Jones.
Joretta lived in Wilmington, Delaware for 41 years where she served asAglow International area president
for Delaware, Maryland and the Eastern Shore of Virginia. She also served as missions secretary for Faith
Christian Fellowship and was active in local prison ministry while members of New Life Christian
Fellowship. She always made her home a warm and inviting place for gatherings. She particularly enjoyed
hosting Bible studies, small groups, foreign exchange students and international missionaries or anyone else
who was in need of refreshment, love and encouragement.
Elray and Joretta returned to Virginia, living in Christiansburg, at The Villas at Peppers Ferry. They were
members of The Bridge Four Square church serving as Elders and administering the Open Hands Backpack
Program. Most recently she and Elray relocated to Bellaire at Stone Port an assisted living facility in
Harrisonburg, Virginia. She gradually experienced the debilitating effects of Parkinson’s disease and was
lovingly cared for by her husband, family and wonderful staff.
Joretta’s life was characterized by worship, prayer, studying the bible and sharing the Gospel with others.
She loved family, international travel, interior decorating and tailgating at Virginia Tech football games. Her
smile would light up a room and spending time with her family and friends brought her great joy.
She is survived by her husband, Elray Hanks; brother, Jimmy Jones; three children, Lorri Grayson (David),
Jeff Hanks (Denise) and Jane McTier (Robert); 8 Grandchildren, Matt Volk (Andrea),Andrew Volk
(Samantha), Nathan Volk (Kathleen), Caroline Hillman (Daniel), Lindsay Buzzeo (Connor), Marissa
Burgess (Tyler),Andrei McTier and Jonathan Hanks; 3 step grandchildren,Alyssa Nuss (Ralph), Matthew
Grayson (Jessica) and Alexandra Grayson, and ahe had 10 wonderful great-grandchildren.
Burial service at Mount Olivet Cemetery at 9:30 a.m., in McGaheysville, Virginia.Acelebration of Life
service will be held at Grace Covenant Church, 3337 Emmaus Road Harrisonburg,
Virginia 22801 on Saturday, November 12th at 11:00 a.m., with Mike Souder and
Bert McTier officiating.
Kyger Funeral Home