Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service

Dr. Emmett Carlysle Mathews Jr., a dedicated cardiologist, Navy veteran, and loving and proud father and grandfather, passed away on April 3rd, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina. During his 83 years of life, Dr. Mathews served with dignity, healed with care and compassion, and lived with purpose. Dr. Mathews is survived by his son, Richard Hunt Mathews (Ellie), his daughter, Susan Slate Mathews-Duvall (Roger), his brother, David Hodnett Mathews, Sr. (Brenda), four grandchildren, and many other loving family members and close friends who will carry his memory forward with pride and gratitude. Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Mathews embodied a lifelong commitment to service. Dr....

John Francis Wixted (Jack), 91 of Charlotte, NC, passed away February 20, 2025. Born November 11, 1933, he was the son of the late John J. Wixted and Marie Parker Wixted. Survivors include his nephews Mark (Jody) and Paul Majewsky; and his niece Annemarie McAllister (Joseph). Jack served proudly in the US Army and held a long career as a budget analyst for the Department of Defense. He lived in Burke, VA for most of his life and had a passion for music and backpacking. A special thank you to the staff and residents of Merrywood on Park in Charlotte. The exceptional care they provided allowed Jack to remain active and engaged while living independently. Thank you also to the team at...

William H. Beck, one of Winston-Salem's favorite adopted sons, would often, with his trademark twinkle in the eye, indicate his bucket list by adding, "... before I leave this orb." Bill departed this life on February 18 in Charlotte, NC, where he had relocated to be near family. In his 97 years on earth, he accomplished what he set out to do, always remaining true to the core values instilled in him as a boy: kindness, empathy, and a deep, abiding concern for others. Born December 23, 1927, in Wadesboro, NC, Bill was the only child of Mae Watson Beck, a teacher, and Harvey Raymond Beck, a Mobil Oil executive. Bill enjoyed an idyllic childhood, living in his aunt's boarding house...

Eloise Wheeler Shuford Age 96 of Oak Island, NC and formerly of Lake Wylie, SC entered into her heavenly home on February 3, 2025. Born June 20, 1928, in Rocky Mount, NC, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Betty Wheeler. Eloise was a teacher for children with cerebral palsy, a Sunday school teacher for many years, and a wonderful cook, a loving wife and mother. She is survived by her daughter Karen S. West (Woody), son Thomas A. Shuford (Edie), grandchildren; Melanie McLane (Clint), Amy Marshall (Pat), and David Shuford (Crystal), great grandchildren; Mason and Grant Mauldin, Emerson and Knox Marshall, Bradley and Dylan Griffin. She is also survived by her siblings; Alton Wheeler...

Don Genova, 90, of Osterville, MA, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.Fred Donald Genova was born on January 28, 1934 to Anne and Fred Genova, and was raised in Beverly, MA. He graduated from Beverly High School in 1952. In his high school yearbook, Don was described as "The kind of boy schools boast about." He went on to study at Tufts University where he majored in Mechanical Engineering and ran on the cross country team. A member of Tuft's ROTC program, Don went on to serve in the U.S. Navy after graduation. Don married his beloved Adrienne on April 25, 1959. The couple moved from Massachusetts to Virginia in 1965, where they raised their three...

Don Genova, 90, of Osterville, MA, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Fred Donald Genova was born on January 28, 1934 to Anne and Fred Genova, and was raised in Beverly, MA. He graduated from Beverly High School in 1952. In his high school yearbook, Don was described as "The kind of boy schools boast about." He went on to study at Tufts University where he majored in Mechanical Engineering and ran on the cross country team. A member of Tuft's ROTC program, Don went on to serve in the U.S. Navy after graduation. Don married his beloved Adrienne on April 25, 1959. The couple moved from Massachusetts to Virginia in 1965, where they raised their three...

Manaline Dunlap Gibson, age 93 of Wilmington, NC, passed away on November 29, 2024 in Charlotte, NC. She was born in Stokes County, NC on December 24, 1930 to Manley and Beatrice Reid Dunlap who preceded her in death. She is survived by her brother, H. Pratt Dunlap. Manaline leaves a legacy of devotion to her family and others. She was deeply committed to her marriage to R. Wayne Gibson, which lasted for 68 years until his death in 2018. Her family will hold close her unconditional love, kind heart and warm smile (and her delicious cakes! ). As an active member of Grace United Methodist Church, she served in many roles and supported the work of the United Methodist Women. She was also a...

William G. Morgan, Jr. 89, of Charlotte, NC passed away peacefully on November 2, 2024. He was surrounded by the love and care of his family in the comfort of their home. He was born in Falls River, Massachusetts on January 8, 1935. He was the son of the late William George Morgan, Sr. & Anita Prouix Morgan. He was preceded in death by his younger brother Allan. He is survived by his sister Elaine Werner who currently resides in Cumberland , RI . He is also survived by his wife, Elizabeth of 66 wonderful years; their son, Kenneth and daughter-in-law Connie of Charlotte, NC., and many more loving family and friends. William was a patriot who proudly served 20 years in the US Army...

Carolyn "Carrie" Adams McGill January 7, 1967 - October 23, 2024 It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Carolyn "Carrie" McGill. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her adoring family on October 23, 2024, following a courageous battle with glioblastoma brain cancer. Born on January 7, 1967, in Manchester, CT, Carrie lived a life vibrant with joy, boldness, and an adventurous spirit that was truly contagious. She lived fearlessly and made her mark on all those she knew, using every opportunity to experience the world and encourage others to do the same. Carrie was beloved by many; a cherished wife to her husband, Michael; a nurturing mother to her...

Albert Melvin Wright, III, "Mel" (72) went home to be with the Lord on October 11th, 2024. Born in Columbia, SC to the late Albert Melvin Wright, Jr and Bobbie Steedly Wright, Mel grew up in Greenville and Florence, SC where he graduated from McClenaghan High School. After receiving a BA in English Literature from the University of South Carolina, he worked with Southern Bell Telephone Company before being called into the ministry. Mel and his wife, Terry, moved to South Hamiliton, Massachusetts where he received a Masters of Divinity from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. He began his ministry in Clinton, SC as an associate pastor before accepting the senior pastor position at The First...

Maridee Ann (Realph) Cunningham, 86, of Charlotte, NC passed away peacefully in the early hours of Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at Atrium Health Hospice & Palliative Care of Union County in Monroe, surrounded by the love of her family. A woman of generosity and grace, a true "lady" in every sense of the word, Dee was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother and leaves behind many who will forever cherish her memory. Born December 31, 1937, in Fremont, NE, to Herbert A. Realph and Cecile Mundy Realph, Dee was the second oldest of five siblings. Dee was preceded in death by her parents and her three brothers, Herbert Realph of Phoenix, AZ, Robert (and Modene) Realph of Fremont, NE, and...

Maridee Ann (Realph) Cunningham, 86, of Charlotte, NC passed away peacefully in the early hours of Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at Atrium Health Hospice & Palliative Care of Union County in Monroe, surrounded by the love of her family. A woman of generosity and grace, a true "lady" in every sense of the word, Dee was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother and leaves behind many who will forever cherish her memory. Born December 31, 1937, in Fremont, NE, to Herbert A. Realph and Cecile Mundy Realph, Dee was the second oldest of five siblings. Dee was preceded in death by her parents and her three brothers, Herbert Realph of Phoenix, AZ, Robert (and Modene) Realph of Fremont, NE, and...

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...