Date of Service:
May 01, 2026
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Kay Marie Hanks, age 81, passed away in the Hospice House of Vero Beach, Florida on April 21, 2026. She had a long journey with vascular dementia and suffered a stroke more that two years ago that left her unable to walk, stand, or speak; yet she never lost her love of life and her family.
Kay was born in Providence, Rhode Island to a Catholic mother and an Army Colonel Father. She was the second oldest of six sisters. She was married to JC Hanks for 58 years. Kay was a wonderful, loving, wife, and mother; she was a talented woman making jewelry, dolls, and watercolor paintings. She had a display at the art show “Under the Oaks” in Riverside Park each year. She also loved the outdoors, hiking in the mountains of Hawaii, skiing the western Rockies, fishing, and riding across the country on a motorcycle with her husband.
Kay married JC Hanks in Atlanta on January 12, 1968. While in Atlanta, they started their family and she helped manage their construction company where she was generally considered “The Boss”. She and her husband lived in Atlanta, Vero Beach, Minneapolis, Tampa, and Honolulu before returning to Vero Beach in 1998 where they were joined by their son Chris. Vero Beach was always her favorite. Kay loved to travel, while living in Honolulu for three years, she went to Japan, South Korea, and Australia. She volunteered for the American Heart Association and at the Vero Beach Women’s Club where she was instrumental in creating the now well-known and regarded “Vero Beach Soup Bowl”.
They lost their son Jim in 1988 to an automobile accident and Kay is survived by her husband JC Han, her son Chris Hanks, two grandchildren Sadie and Sawyer Hanks, and her sister Elissa Travis.
Prior to her illness, Kay was a vibrant member of her community and was well loved by all who knew her. She will be missed.
A gathering of family and friends will be held 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026, with a Memorial Service immediately following at 11:00 a.m., at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, 1655 27th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Kay’s honor to that Vero Beach Humane Society.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2026 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Debra Armour - Sister
April 24, 2026, 8:32 pm
Rest in peace my beautiful, talented and loving big sister. I will always cherish my many memories of you. Love, Debbie
Tom Overholt - Friend
April 25, 2026, 1:35 am
She was a hoot! Best damn home made Salsa ever. She was a force to be reckoned with, and had tremendous will power. She didn’t suffer fools, had a big heart, and was loved by all.
Mary Ann Bolt - Cousin
April 25, 2026, 11:37 am
our sincere sympathy to Jimmy from cousins in South Carolina. Mary Ann Bolt. Velta Goldsmith. Lewis Purgason
Sandra Jones Eley - Best friend
April 25, 2026, 3:11 pm
Kay was one of a kind and one of my best friends. I was always amazed of her talent and there’s nothing she couldn’t do, from operating a tractor to upholstering furniture. She hand made beautiful dolls & jewelry during the holidays for her family & friends. I’ll so miss this beautiful soul & I’ll see her on the other side of the rainbow one day. Rest in peace my loving friend! Always, Sandra
Brian Johnson - Vero Beach Family
April 25, 2026, 8:11 pm
Kay & JC were a part of my parents Vero Beach family. Always fun to see the neighborhood wiping it up and having a fun time. Kay was key to the fun. God Bless her and her family.
Heather Cronin - Niece
April 26, 2026, 7:59 pm
My Aunt Kay was a beautiful person inside and out. She was kind, generous, and loving. I have so many wonderful memories of her. She loved to laugh and enjoy life. The world was a better place with her in it. I will miss her. You are in our thoughts and prayers JC, Chris, Sadie, and Sawyer.
Paul and Sandi Delorey - A past neighbor.
April 26, 2026, 9:40 pm
JC, just saw the sad news on Kay’s passing. What a spirit and what a life ! Rest in Peace!
Elissa Travis - sister
April 26, 2026, 11:38 pm
Beloved sister…You will be greatly missed!
So many memories. Staying with Kay and JC when Little Jim was just a toddler. I took care of Jim while Kay worked in her beauty shop in their home. The Daytona condo. Trip to Hawaii (where we spent 9 glorious days seeing sights that the average tourist would never get to see) Trips to Vero where we were welcomed with open arms.
Kay was my idol; she was beautiful and a joy to be around. She loved people and they loved her. She loved the outdoors and worked tirelessly to make the perfect home.
Eddie working with JC to build houses created a special bond with Jimbo and Crissybo, time that we will always cherish. Jim and Chris added bo behind everybody´s name.
Thank you for being such a good sister, friend and most of all a terrific aunt to our children.
Rest in peace big Sister, knowing you are reunited with Jim, Cheryl, Sandy, Mama and Daddy makes your loss bearable.
Love Always
Elissa and Eddie
Kimberly Williams - Sister
April 27, 2026, 12:32 am
Kay was not just one of my six sisters, she was my best friend and greatest supporter. She had a magical way of making even the smallest moments special. Over the years she filled our lives with laughter and warmth. Her kindness was endless and her unconditional love she provided to all that knew her was unique. Though she is not here with us I will carry her spirit with me everyday. Rest among the angels, dear sister. Love, Kimmie
Diann Mitchell Liscomb - Niece
April 27, 2026, 1:11 am
Rest in peace my beautiful Aunt Kay. Uncle Jimmy and Chris you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bill Herman - friend
April 27, 2026, 6:17 pm
Kay is someone we’ll never forget. Her kindness & vitality made her special. I always thought of Kay & JC when I thought of Vero, and after living in Arkansas for several years, Kay’s benevolence was among the factors that influenced our return to Vero. May you be forever happy in heaven Kay.