Elizabeth Joyce Hanks, born on April 3, 1936, in Jennings, Louisiana, departed this earthly life on March 22, 2025, in Beaumont, Texas. A devoted homemaker, Elizabeth dedicated her life to nurturing her family and surrounding them with a love that knew no bounds. She mothered anyone in need of her loving touch and was considered the very glue that held her family together.
As a cherished parishioner of St. Theresa the Little Flower Catholic Church, Elizabeth embodied the biblical definition of a mother. Her unwavering faith and commitment to her family served as an inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to know her. In addition to her nurturing nature, Elizabeth was a woman of many talents. She was an extremely gifted seamstress, a wonderful cook renowned for her famous rice dressing, and an avid gardener, cultivating both her garden and her family's close-knit bonds. She found joy in dancing, which brought laughter and happiness to her home.
Elizabeth was the beloved wife of her late husband, Gabriel Raphael Hanks, with whom she shared 69 glorious years of marriage. Together, they built a loving family and left behind a legacy of kindness and resilience that will forever remain in the hearts of those they touched.
She is survived by her daughter, Rita Presley and her husband, Gary of DeRidder, Louisiana; her son, Robert Hanks and his wife, Susan of Groves, Texas; her daughter, Mary Hanks of Port Arthur, Texas; her son, Charles Hanks and his wife, Denise of Vidor, Texas; and her daughter, Nancy Bernard of Nederland, Texas. Elizabeth was a proud grandmother to Brian Hanks, Gary Hanks, Michael Hanks, Jennifer Jackson, David Hanks, Kelsey Hanks, and Jessica Bernard. She also relished her role as a great-grandmother to Austin Hanks, Madalyn Lindley, Beaux Lindley, Sara Lindley, Tommy Arnold, Debbie Arnold, and Katie Arnold.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Aggie Marie Sonnier; her son, Gerald Hanks; her granddaughters, Anna Christine Presley and Sarah Marie Hanks; and her siblings, L. J. Sonnier, Thomas Sonnier, and Lucille LaSalle.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Elizabeth’s life during a gathering to be held on Thursday evening, March 27, 2025, beginning at 5:00 PM, followed by a Rosary at 7:00 PM, at Melancon Levingston Funeral Home, 2001 Nall St, Port Neches, Texas. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held the following day, Friday, March 28, 2025, at 10:30 AM at St. Theresa the Little Flower Catholic Church, located at 6412 Garnet Ave, Port Arthur, Texas. This will be followed by a graveside service at Memory Gardens in Nederland.
As we remember Elizabeth Joyce Hanks, let us take comfort in the profound legacy of love she leaves behind—a testament to a life well-lived in love and service to family and faith.