Beatrice Hannings' Obituary
Beatrice Callie Dozier Hannings, 98, died on June 6, 2013. Bea had a personality larger than Sinatra, a sense of humor greater than Groucho, Costello, or Hope, and she made the best homemade strawberry jam, sweet pickles, grilled cheese sandwiches and chocolate cake this side of paradise. Bea was full of kindness, a free-spirited firecracker, and the most loyal friend you could find. She was a vibrant and sassy woman who cared deeply, loved greatly, and will be sincerely missed as a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, friend, and neighbor. Bea played basketball in her youth and her passion for the game continued the rest of her life. She was an avid fan who enjoyed cheering for her Memphis Tigers through the decades. Bea enjoyed travel and was always up for an adventure. As the last remaining member of her generation, she was the “Steel Magnolia” matriarch in both the Dozier and Hannings families. For forty-two years, she hosted an annual Christmas party for her large extended family. Bea was born on July 11, 1914, to Phillip Harvey Dozier and Callie Matilda Glisson Dozier of Camp Verde, TX. Eventually the family returned to Weakley County, TN where she graduated from Trimble High School. On June 10, 1938, Bea married Bradley Corbitt Hannings and subsequently gave birth to three children. In July 1947, the Hannings family moved to Memphis where Bea continued to reside in the family’s home until her death. In those sixty-six years, neighbors became cherished lifelong friends. Bea was preceded in death by her parents, nine siblings, her husband and her daughter, Lynn Mary Hannings Wells (Gene). She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Jo Hannings Smith, son, Richard Van Hannings (Kathy), nine grandchildren: Courtney Smith Simmons (John), Daphne Smith Secrest, Daniel Wells (Marina), Erin Smith, Debbie Cressey (John), Cori Smith, Ricky Hannings (Hannah), Katie Hannings, and Jonathan Hannings, three great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. The family is forever grateful to Everlena, Latarasha, Jennifer, Barbara, and Yolanda for providing loving care and companionship even on days when Bea was feisty. Bea’s Trinity Hospice team provided expert professional care along with warmth and love for the entire family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Services will be held at Memorial Park in Memphis. Visitation will be Saturday, June 15, 5-7 p.m. Funeral service will be Sunday, June 16 at 2 p.m.Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38119, (901)767-8930, “Behind the Stone Wall”.
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