Sara Louise Hanes, Ph.D.

SARA LOUISE HANES, PHD., 69, of Valdosta, passed away at her home after an extended illness on Tuesday, December 29, 2009.

She was born July 21, 1940 in Madison, GA, a daughter of the late Virgil E. Hanes, Sr. and the late Frances Knight Hanes. She graduated from South Hall High School with the Class of 1958, and attended Brenau University, Gainesville. She earned her M.A. and was the first person to graduate from the University of Georgia with a Ph.D. in Linguistics. Dr. Hanes was Professor Emeritus at Valdosta State University (formerly Valdosta State College), where she had taught Linguistics and English from 1963 until her retirement in 2001.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Valdosta and enjoyed traveling throughout the world on mission trips, as well as for pleasure. She was a member of the Book Review Club, PEO, Bookfellows, Friends of the Library, AAUW, Bible study groups, Stitchers of Love, First Baptist Church Library Committee, MLA, SAMLA, CEA, AAUP, and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. In addition, she also taught in the Honors Program at V.S.U., and belonged to many other groups and organizations. Dr. Hanes was very dedicated to her family.

She is survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Emmons and Linda Hanes of Auburn; two nephews, Brett and wife Tiffany Hanes of Lula, and Ben Hanes of Lawrenceville; one great-nephew and two great-nieces, Nikolas, Eleanor, and Georgia Hanes of Lula; an aunt, Ellen Young of Bostwick; several cousins; special friends, Marie and Jim Hill, Patricia and Dennis Marks, and Lou Gabard, all of Valdosta; and many friends and colleagues.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, December 31, 2009, at the Chapel of Carson McLane Funeral Home, with Rev. Mac Weaver officiating. Dr. Hanes' family will receive friends from 7 to 9 pm Wednesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the First Baptist Church Mission Fund, 200 W. Central Ave., Valdosta 31601. Condolences may be expressed to the Hanes family at www.mclanefuneralservices.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home.


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602