Betty Jean James Hanes was born on September 10, 1949 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, auntie, sister-in-law, and friend. She was affectionately known as "B", Mother Hanes, Ma' Hanes and G'ma to her grandchildren who she lovingly called "her angels". She became our heavenly angel on January 13, 2024 after courageously battling pancreatic cancer.

Betty attended United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church at an early age with her family and became a faithful Christian. Betty attended Winston-Salem / Forsyth County public schools and graduated from the historic Atkins High School in 1967. She continued her education at the home of the Golden Bulldogs of Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina and pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She would join the graduating class of 1971 with a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics. Later, she advanced her career by obtaining a specialized banking and finance certification as a double minority student from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her career included roles in banking, financial services, economic development, and taxation. Betty started her career in banking with Wachovia Bank in Winston-Salem, NC. She served as the Assistant Branch Manager when she assisted with opening the only Mechanics & Farmers Bank branch in Winston-Salem, a historic African-American independent community bank, which sparked lending to minority entrepreneurs, faith-based institutions, and families in East Winston. She served as a Director of Minority and Women Business Enterprises for the City of Winston-Salem. She transitioned to financial services working for American Express in Greensboro, NC and Phoenix, AZ. During her fifteen years living in Phoenix, AZ, she worked in multiple roles at banking institutions and tax preparation entities. She retired as a revenue auditor from the Arizona Department of Revenue.

Some of her many accolades and associations included membership to the Bankers Educational Society Incorporated (BESI) where she was a charter member and coordinated special events for the esteemed club; special feature in Ebony Magazine as Woman of the Year for her contribution to banking community in Winston-Salem, NC; Board member of the first Mechanics and Farmers Bank in Winston-Salem, NC; Member of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. – Winston-Salem Chapter; and Chairperson for fundraising for United Negro College Fund of Winston-Salem.

While living in Phoenix, Arizona she joined the Historic Tanner Chapel A.M.E. Church. As a faithful member, she also became a local celebrity as a leading actress in the play "Black Women Walking", an award-winning play that highlighted the life stories of courageous black female heroines who changed the course of American history. The play began in the church and spread to local community colleges on the west coast.

Betty was known for her love of the black arts, banking, cooking and harvesting beautiful plants. She was affectionately known in the arts community especially for her involvement in the National Black Theater Festival in Winston-Salem, NC, primarily providing her accounting and back-office services to the organization. She also had a green thumb that was unmatched. She could bring any plant to life and grow a harvest for a multitude to feast upon or simply admire. Her passion was used to lead the community garden shared with UMMBC, the altar flowers, and within senior living communities.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents Johnny and Margaret James of Winston-Salem, NC; two brothers Joe Hairston of Midway, NC and Leon Hairston of Winton-Salem, NC; one sister Fanny Smith of Winston-Salem, NC. She leaves to cherish her memory two sons Jerry Lee Hanes, Jr. (Jenelle) of Atlanta, GA and Jamal Lamont Hanes of Phoenix, AZ; three grandchildren Jordyn, Joy and Jerry Lee Hanes, III (JT) of Atlanta, GA; one twin sister Norma Jean James Graham of Baltimore, MD; two nieces, Latonya Graham and Harischa "Puddin" Graham of Winston-Salem, NC; one grandniece Patricya Livingstone Scott (Terry) of Raleigh, NC; one grandnephew Vincent Callendar of Winston-Salem, NC; two very dear friends, Linda Mincey and Denise McKoy; and many beloved family members and friends.The home going service for family and friends will be held at United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, NC on Monday, January 22nd with family visitation at 10:30am and service at 11am, followed by the repast at the church. A viewing will be held Sunday from 1pm until 5pm at Douthit's.

Arrangements are in the care of Douthit Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to Johnson C. Smith University or the NC Black Repertory Company.
#Blessedtobeablessing