Date of Service:
May 01, 2026
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Kay Maria 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 than 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. Kay is survived by her husband, JC Hanks, 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.
Bobby Ray - dear friend and family member
April 29, 2026, 11:09 pm
Bobby Ray-friend. Kay was a modern day “Renaissance Woman”. There was nothing she couldn’t do. The best cook on the planet. She excelled at everything she undertook. If you were fortunate to be in Kay’s orbit, as were my children, a niece and nephew’s of Kay you were the benefactor of her endless love and energy, both of which she shared unconditionally. She was an incredible wife to JC and Mother to Jim and Chris. While it sounds cliche’ she was one-of-a-kind, and her influence was magical to those she loved and were fortunate to return that love. God rest your soul Aunt Kay. You will NEVER be forgotten. LOVE, BR.
Nick Travis
April 30, 2026, 4:46 pm
I have so many great memories of visiting Aunt Kay in Florida. From fishing in the canals to swimming and going to the beach! She will be missed!
Angela Barros - Niece
April 30, 2026, 5:27 pm
I have so many wonderful memories with Aunt Kay-from my early childhood, through the years growing up, and later sharing time together as the next generation came along and our families grew.
From an early age, I remember visiting Aunt Kay and Uncle JC at their home in Atlanta, and later visiting for vacations in Vero. Aunt Kay was always a gracious host, welcoming everyone with warmth and kindness. She was incredibly creative and talented. I think of her every year as I decorate my Christmas tree with the special ornaments she gave us-many of them handmade, each one filled with love and memories.
I´ll never forget the time she rescued me after I fell off the dock into the river, convinced I was about to be eaten by a school of large fish. That was Aunt Kay-always looking out for and taking care of everyone!
I am so grateful to have had her in my life. I will always cherish these memories and I’ll forever remember her beautiful smile and joyful laugh.
Ray and Peggy Della Porta - Friend
April 30, 2026, 6:54 pm
Dear JC and Family, Our hearts and prayers are with you. We are so sorry about your loss. We have wonderful memories of spending time with you and Kay in the Abacos. May she rest in peace and may God bless and comfort you all. Ray and Peggy Della Porta
John & May Ann Davidson - Friends
May 1, 2026, 2:09 am
We are missing you Kay. So many years and so many adventures. Like the time in Sun Valley. JC, Chris and I were playing pool while we waited for a table at a busy restaurant. You rushed in announcing we had to leave or lose the table. “We can’t!! We’re in the middle of a game”!! One sweep of your arm completely solved that problem except it wasn’t our pool table that you cleared but the guys next to us. Of course you charmed them and led us to dinner. We are blessed having 50+ years of your friendship and warmth. Thanks for the Memories John and Mary Ann