Dorothy (Shepherd) Hanes

Dorothy Shepherd Hanes of Madison passed away peacefully on February 19, 2025 at age 92.  Born in Walton County on October 16, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Jerry Andrew Shepherd and Janie Catherine Shepherd.  She graduated from Morgan County High School in 1950 and married George Jackson Hanes in September of the same year.  She was a devoted wife and mother of five. 

Her children recall her many talents. She baked and decorated cookies and cakes flawlessly with talented hands.  She would stitch her daughter’s clothing which included hand smocking and the dresses were always  accompanied with a hand stitched purse.  Along with the dresses she stitched her son’s suits as well.  Mema, as she was called by her grandchildren, left behind many cross stitched masterpieces for her children.

Being the wife of a farmer, Mrs. Hanes knew early mornings and late nights serving her family and her community. She always made the best decorations and party favors for her children’s birthday parties. She was a long-time member of Madison Baptist Church where she served many roles.  She was over the children’s department for many years.  She served in Vacation Bible School year after year heading up the refreshment committee and she chaired the church hospitality ministry for years.  Later in her and George’s years they volunteered to deliver for the meals-on-wheels ministry.

As a couple, she and George enjoyed square dancing in their younger years.  She was a gracious host, having friends and church groups over for meals and always loved her family gatherings.  She was proud of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Mrs. Hanes was a picture of the virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31.

Dorothy Hanes is survived by her five children, Clifton (Carole) Hanes, David (Janey) Hanes, Kathryn (Jim) Foskey, Carol (Larry) Seabolt and Ellen Beckham.  Her grandchildren are Jennifer (Seth) Stewart, Robert (Jessica) Hanes, Dave (Danielle) Hanes, Ashleigh (Lee) Pullin, Jameson (Miles) Foskey, Shane (Christy) Seabolt, Cody (Kristin) Seabolt, Caroline (Josey) Cameron, Jackson (Abbey) Beckham and Davis Beckham.  Mrs. Hanes leaves behind twelve great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, George Hanes, her brother, Jerrell Sheppard, a son-in-law, Morgan Beckham and a great granddaughter, Kambrey Seabolt.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, February 24 at 3:00 PM at the Madison City Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Madison Baptist Church Nursery Department or to Madison Health and Rehabilitation, in Mrs. Hanes memory.

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