Mary Aileen Smith Hanks

Chelsea

Mary Aileen Smith Hanks, age 73 of Chelsea, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, Dec. 12, at home after suffering from the effects of a stroke in 2004.  She was born June 6, 1937, in Jefferson County, to Charles William and Elsie Irene Swiney Smith.  Shortly after graduation from Vincent High School in 1957, she went to work as a clerk for Southern Life and Health Insurance Company where she met the love of her life, George Thurman Hanks Jr.  They were married on Nov. 29, 1958, in Shelby County.  Making their home in Chelsea, she was the best, most dedicated Christian wife and mother possible to her husband and four children. She enjoyed drawing and instilled a love of visual arts in her children.  She was also a talented pianist, playing at her church, Simmsville Bible Chapel during the early years.  She spoke of attending the very first church service that was held on her birthday, June 6, 1955. She was the last surviving charter member of Simmsville Bible Chapel, which is now Chelsea Bible Church.  She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, George T. Hanks, of Chelsea; her children, Judy Aileen Pimperl (John) of Bay Minette, Rebecca Ann Smith (Steve) of Chelsea, George Harold Hanks (Missy) of Chelsea and Jerry Wayne Hanks (Rosmery) of Chelsea; 14 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.  She was pre-deceased by her parents, and siblings, Bobby, Leamon, Evelyn, Edward (Buddy) and Herman. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening at 6 p.m., Charter Funeral Home, Calera.  Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Friday in the chapel. Officiated by Pastor Nathan Ingram of Chelsea Bible Church, followed by burial at 2 p.m. in Alabama National Cemetery, Montevallo.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to support cystic fibrosis research. Please make checks payable to UAB and mail to Development Office, FOT 1225, 1530 Third Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294-3412, or call 975-5659. The family wishes to thank the many friends who visited faithfully, with special thanks to Mom Sutton, Mary and Ilsa, her physician and friend Dr. Robert Snyder who took such great care of her over the years, and the many care-givers that visited in recent months from Alacare Hospice Services.  May you rest in peace. We love you. Charter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, please send condolences to Charterfuneral.com.