Marietta Edwards Hanks

It is with great sadness and much love that the family of Marietta Edwards Hanks announce that she went to her heavenly home on Thursday, August 25, 2022. She went peacefully at her home in Christiansburg at the age of 88; predeceased by her husband, Edward (Bud) Hanks, and grandson, Dylan Hanks.
She will be lovingly remembered as “Mom” by her children; Charlie (Linda) Hanks and Billy Hanks; as “Granny” by her grandchildren, Brandon (Ashlee) Hanks, Ramsey (Casey) Hanchette, Lindsey Hanks, Kayla (Joey) Penca; and great grandchildren, McKenna and Madelyn Penca, and by numerous other family members and friends.
Marietta was born on May 31, 1934, to the late Terry and Zenna Edwards of Grayson County, Virginia. She was the youngest of five siblings; Lucille Edwards Farmer, Raby Edwards, L.D. Edwards, and Curtis Edwards. She was baptized at the age of 13 and has been a church member ever since. Marietta was a highly active member of St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Christiansburg, very rarely missing Sunday services until Covid. She served as chairperson for Circle #4 and Fellowships. She did the openings and closings for her Sunday school classes, and briefly sang in the choir. Marietta could be found at church providing meals and baked goods, and offering her support at almost every event at St. Paul’s. She never said “no” when asked to help.
Marietta worked in industry her entire working life, spending 36 years with Imperial Reading and eight years with Tweeds Catalog mail order. She retired in 1995 to be with her late husband who passed away in 2007. They were married for 55 years before his death.
She loved being with her friends and traveling; going on cruises and bus trips, hosting lunches and playing cards (she was a canasta member since 1961), walking at the mall and rec center, attending Red Hat meetings, and enjoying biscuits and coffee every morning at Hardees.
Everyone, especially her family, loved her cooking. She made scrumptious meals and desserts, and there was always plenty for everyone to take home the leftovers. Her incredible cakes with Granny’s special frosting was such a treat on our birthdays, and she made sure every family member got their favorite kind. We looked forward to the jars of homemade jelly and apple butter, the Sunday dinners, and the fun times at Claytor Lake. The family was blessed to spend Christmas Eve with her every year; opening gifts and indulging in the delicious goodies she took such pride in preparing, before heading off to candlelight services together at St. Paul’s.
In the last year of her life, her health rapidly declined; but her love for her family and her faith never wavered. She will be missed by everyone who knew her and we will cherish her final words with us: “Life is great but not always easy; it’s been a wonderful journey. If you don’t know the Lord, plan on meeting Him. God is good. God is good all the time.” We love you, Granny!
The family would like to thank her caretakers, Ann Mills, Sharon Baker, and Whitley Davis and her pastor, Mike Derflinger, who visited on many occasions. Visitation will be held at Horne’s Funeral Home on Sunday, August 28 from 5 to 7 pm. Funeral services will be at St. Paul’s Methodist Church on Monday, August 29 at 11:30 am, led by her pastor, Mike Derflinger, and lifelong family friend, Neal Turner. The family will hold a private interment.