Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service

Ronald James Russell July 6,1935-August 2, 2024 There is a little less music in the world today. Even though he couldn't play a note on a musical instrument, if you knew Ron, you knew there was always a song on his lips and in his heart. He couldn't pass you by without a greeting or positive word. Ron passed away peacefully on the morning of August 2, 2024, of natural causes after living a fulfilling life. Ron was born and raised on the west side of Grand Rapids, Michigan where he attended Catholic Central High School and worked in his dad's grocery store. He was a proud graduate of Aquinas College where he played baseball, but throughout his life you could usually catch him whistling...

Stephen Duran Harmon, 33, of York, passed away July 22, 2024. He was born December 29, 1990, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Stephen was full of life with a great heart who touched so many people with his loving funny charismatic personality. He is finally at rest now in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ. Stephen is survived by his loving parents, Chris and Vicky Harmon, his brother Myles Harmon, his adopted sister Shaina Hayes and his grandmother Ruevonne Harmon along with many aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins. Services will be Saturday, August 3, 2024, at Hankins and Whittington Funeral Service, 1111 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203. Viewing from 11 to 12 pm, Services...

Ruth Ann Meier, 81, devoted wife and mother, passed away surrounded by her family on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Ruth Ann was born in Springfield, IL on January 21, 1943, the daughter of Albert and Frieda Trimble. She married Tom Meier of New Berlin, IL, on October 24, 1964, at St. John's Lutheran Church in New Berlin. Ruth Ann was a graduate of New Berlin High School where she was a cheerleader and member of the 4H Club. She and Tom began their family in upstate South Carolina where they lived for 20 years prior to moving to Durham, NC for 40 years. They moved to Charlotte, NC in 2022 to be closer to family and receive care for her dementia. Ruth Ann was an active member and...

Ruth Ann Meier, 81, devoted wife and mother, passed away surrounded by her family on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Ruth Ann was born in Springfield, IL on January 21, 1943, the daughter of Albert and Frieda Trimble. She married Tom Meier of New Berlin, IL, on October 24, 1964, at St. John's Lutheran Church in New Berlin. Ruth Ann was a graduate of New Berlin High School where she was a cheerleader and member of the 4H Club. She and Tom began their family in upstate South Carolina where they lived for 20 years prior to moving to Durham, NC for 40 years. They moved to Charlotte, NC in 2022 to be closer to family and receive care for her dementia. Ruth Ann was an active member and...

Rebecca Ellen Orr, 66, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2024. Born February 14, 1958, in Canton, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Patricia A. Orr and Richard M. Orr. She retired in December 2023 from Belk Legal department where she truly enjoyed working for 15 years as a paralegal. Rebecca is survived by her two sisters: Susan O. Brown and Elizabeth J. Orr; her niece and husband: Anna B. Kenkel and Brad Kenkel and her grand-niece: Mary "Max" Kenkel. Rebecca will be missed by many. She worked to stay in touch with many friends - old and new. She was a master calligrapher in her free time and shared her incredible art through birthday cards and the most...

Barbara Leone (Anderson) Davisson was born July 8th, 1942 in Mason City, Iowa to Earnest and Elsie (Statzer) Anderson. She passed peacefully in the morning on May 18th, 2024 under Hospice care at Matthews Health and Rehab. She was 81 years old. Barbara was a 1960 graduate of Mason City High School, and she worked at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital where she met her late husband, John. There she was tasked with starting a library which she was very proud of. She was married at First Christian Church in Mason City, Iowa on November 4th, 1962. She was a resident of Charlotte, North Carolina for 52 years where she raised her family, yet still an "Iowa child." She worked as a preschool teacher for...

Barbara Ann Pendleton, 89, of Fort Mill, South Carolina, passed away on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. Born December 10, 1934, in Charlotte, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Clarabelle Lambert Pendleton and Frank Watson Pendleton. Barbara is survived by her loving sister and brother, Jean and James Pendleton, her niece Lauren Bumgardner and husband Greg, nephews Jimmy Pendleton and wife Kim, and Ryan Pendleton and wife Katie. She is also survived by her great niece Madison Bilotta and great nephews Tyler Bilotta and Ollie Pendleton & many more loving friends and family. In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by Albert Pendleton, and Thomas Pendleton and...

Lou Kinlaw Todd of Charlotte passed away February 14, 2024, at Atrium Health - Mercy Hospital. Born on September 20, 1936, in Lumberton, NC, she was the only daughter of the late Alton Taft and Plummie Brisson Kinlaw. Lou moved to Charlotte in 1956 to attend Kings College and retired from Wachovia Bank in 1993. She was a member of Mulberry Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her bothers Clyde F. Kinlaw and Dennis P. Kinlaw. She is survived by her son Forrest Craig Todd and his wife Robin, Lincolnton NC, beloved cousins Sandra Willoughby Jordan, Wilmington, NC, and Sherrill Willoughby, Morehead City, NC. A private graveside service will be held at...

Rebecca Hellen Gannaway Vandergriff ("Becky"), 77, of Charlotte, North Carolina, went to Heaven to rest in the arms of Jesus on Friday, January 26, 2024. Born September 12, 1946, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, she was the daughter of the late Hellen Millard and Lovell Gannaway. After graduating from East Ridge High School and the University of Chattanooga, Becky married her high school sweetheart, who also grew up with her at South Seminole Baptist Church in East Ridge. Becky is survived by her loving husband of over 56 years, Douglas Vandergriff (son of Edwinna Alford and James ("Jack") Vandergriff); their children, Jennifer Copolillo (Marcus) & Daniel Vandergriff (Brandy); her...

Craig Scott Klinedinst, age 67, of Charlotte, NC, passed away on Thursday, January 25th, 2024. Born on August 14th, 1956 in York, PA, he was the son of the late Juanita Klinedinst and Stewart R. Klinedinst. Craig's passion was cooking, especially for others. Family and friends knew they were in for a culinary treat at holiday gatherings or impromptu get togethers if Craig was in the kitchen. Craig enjoyed a 30-year career in the food service industry, retiring as a food service director for nursing homes and retirement communities. Craig loved antiquing and collecting pottery from local artists. He had a keen eye and appreciation for vintage and antique art and furnishings. Craig is...

Gentleman Farmer, Harry Keener age 85 of Charlotte, North Carolina was found shot to death by a jealous husband in his apartment on January 16, 2024. This was how he had always joked that he wanted to go. He actually passed unexpectedly at his apartment on Tuesday afternoon. His parents, Selma and Laura Keener, sister Alice Sisk and high school sweetheart and wife of 56 years, Wanda Spires Keener were all there to greet him at the pearly gates. I just hope they were punctual as Harry was always early. He graduated from Greenback High School and Hiwassee College. He was a Sergeant in the Air Force National Guard for four years and a true patriot. He spent 36 years working for Otis Elevator...

Jeanne Bigham England, 91, of Charlotte, passed away Saturday, January 13, 2024. Born January 15, 1932 in Chester, SC, she was the daughter of the late Robert Wylie Bigham and Elizabeth McKeown Bigham. Jeanne graduated from Morganton High School and then married her sweetheart of 68 years, Kenneth Franklin England. Jeanne received a degree from Catawba Valley Technical Institute as an operating room tech. Jeanne held many roles throughout her life, including homemaker, Sunday school teacher, youth leader, secretary, sterile processing manager, society editor for a local newspaper, hospitality volunteer at church are just a few. Jeanne loved to entertain, sing, play the piano, decorate the...

Samuel James Earnhardt, 84, of Belmont, passed away January 2, 2024. Born March 27, 1939, in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was the son of the late Samuel and Ruby Christine Earnhardt. Samuel is survived by his loving wife, Darlene Henry Earnhardt; stepdaughters, Deborah Gatto and Christine Kurelko, 3 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, his sister, Judith Jonkers, and brother, Thomas Earnhardt. Samuel worked for the Bouligny Company in Charlotte as a mechanical engineer for 32 years and part-time and then full-time at his printing business, Earnhardt Printing in Belmont. The family will receive friends from 10am to 11am on Monday, January 8, 2024, at Centerview Baptist Church, 2300...

Dimitrios "Jimmy" Skotidas, 75, of Concord, passed away December 22, 2023. Born July 25, 1948, in Athens, Greece, he was the son of the late Constantinos and Alexandra Skotidas. Jimmy is survived by the love of his life, Christine; children Dean Skotidas of Cary and Faye Skotidas of Mooresville; brother Tom Skotidas of New York, and many more loving families from the United States and Greece. Jimmy came to the United States in 1965. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1968-1970. He met the love of his life in 1971 where he would soon create the most beautiful relationship known, marrying Christine in 1972 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Never separated for 51 years. ...

Michael David Dellinger, 65, of Mooresville, passed away December 19, 2023. Born March 10, 1958 in Charlotte, North Carolina, he was the son of Shirley and the late Joe Dellinger. Michael is survived by his loving wife, Jeannie Dellinger; his sister Karen Baird and family; his daughter, Michele Burke and family; his daughter, Nicole McDermott and family; his stepdaughter Christine Quiroz and family; his stepson Nicholas Mallos and family, and many more loving family and friends. Michael will be remembered for his kindness, love, and impact he had on all those around him. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. The family will receive friends from 5pm to 7pm on Wednesday, December...

Roxie Geraldine Johnson Cashwell, 96, passed away Friday, November 3, 2023. Gerry was born to Nash and Mary Susan (Cowan) Johnson on October 29, 1927 in Rose Hill, NC. She attended Mars Hill College and East Carolina University where she earned her bachelor's degree in Home Economics. She was married to Henry Miles Cashwell, Jr. for 52 years and lived in Elizabethtown, NC the entirety of her married life. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, her two brothers Bizzell David Johnson and Edgar Marvin Johnson, and her sister Mary Johnson Norman. She is survived by her two sons Henry Miles Cashwell, III of Elizabethtown, NC; John Steven Cashwell of Wilmington, NC; her daughter...

Roxie Geraldine Johnson Cashwell, 96, passed away Friday, November 3, 2023. Gerry was born to Nash and Mary Susan (Cowan) Johnson on October 29, 1927 in Rose Hill, NC. She attended Mars Hill College and East Carolina University where she earned her bachelor's degree in Home Economics. She was married to Henry Miles Cashwell, Jr. for 52 years and lived in Elizabethtown, NC the entirety of her married life. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, her two brothers Bizzell David Johnson and Edgar Marvin Johnson, and her sister Mary Johnson Norman. She is survived by her two sons Henry Miles Cashwell, III of Elizabethtown, NC; John Steven Cashwell of Wilmington, NC; her daughter...

Roxie Geraldine Johnson Cashwell, 96, passed away Friday, November 3, 2023. Gerry was born to Nash and Mary Susan (Cowan) Johnson on October 29, 1927 in Rose Hill, NC. She attended Mars Hill College and East Carolina University where she earned her bachelor's degree in Home Economics. She was married to Henry Miles Cashwell, Jr. for 52 years and lived in Elizabethtown, NC the entirety of her married life. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, her two brothers Bizzell David Johnson and Edgar Marvin Johnson, and her sister Mary Johnson Norman. She is survived by her two sons Henry Miles Cashwell, III of Elizabethtown, NC; John Steven Cashwell of Wilmington, NC; her daughter...

Walter Arthur Cooper, Jr, 92, died Wednesday, October 25 at The Sharon at South Park. He was born November 14, 1930, in Orangeburg, SC, first son of the late, Walter Arthur Cooper, Sr. and Isabelle Culler Cooper. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Joy Cooper, and three sons: Dr. Walter Arthur (Artie) Cooper III (Sabrina), James H. Cooper (Rebecca) and John Cooper. Six grandchildren, Natalie Sneed, Dr. Courtney Hechler, Mitchell Cooper, Matthew Cooper, Graham Cooper, Prentiss Cooper. Great-grandchildren Alex Keipper, Lewis and Madelyn Hechler, sister Carolyn Copeland (Don) and brother Robert W. Cooper (Judy) and many nephews and cousins. Walter was a 1951 graduate of The Citadel. ...

Eleanor Newman Hawkins lived 81 wonderful years and passed away peacefully, ending her battle with metastatic breast cancer on Sunday October 1st in her hometown of Charlotte, NC. She was surrounded by dear friends and loved ones. Eleanor was born in Sumter, SC on January 19, 1942 to parents, the late Sarah Frances Newman and Turner Boyd Newman. She was the fifth child in the family of 8 children. Eleanor had 5 brothers and 2 sisters, she was the youngest girl. Her father Boyd was a tobacco farmer and an electrician. Her mother Sarah Frances was a homemaker, her role model, and a patron saint in her eyes. Eleanor grew up tending the fields of tobacco, along with her family. She learned to...

Mary Roy Ellerson Durden, 83, of Charlotte, North Carolina, died peacefully at her home on September 17, 2023 with her loving family by her side. Molly was born on November 9, 1939, in Richmond, Virginia and was the daughter of the late Dr. Edmund Murdaugh Ellerson and Elsie Tucker Ellerson. Molly spent her early years living in different cities around the country after her father joined the U.S. Army Medical Corps to serve our nation during the Second World War. After the war, the Ellersons settled back in Richmond, where Molly attended St. Catherine's School. While attending St. Catherine's, Molly made many life-long friends and also met her future husband, Nelson. Molly attended...