Betty Sue Akers Hanks Jones

Betty Sue Akers Hanks Jones, 73 of Hillsville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday afternoon May 7, 2025, at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC. She was born February 5, 1952, in Forsyth County to the late William “Bud” Akers and Myrtle Elizabeth Burnett Akers. Words to describe such a woman would be beautiful, kind, loving, caring, empathetic, intelligent, cool, strong, hardworking, stylish, cute as can be, fun with a hilarious sense of humor, stubborn (in the best ways) and unbelievably tough. She had no other choice but to be tough with the life she was dealt but continuously handled some of life's biggest hurdles with poise and grace. Her sweet and precious soul radiated through no matter how sick or how bad she felt, she always treated anyone around her with love, respect and appreciation. She had bright blue eyes, a sweet smile and kindhearted personality that leaves a lasting impression, she was loved by anyone that had the pleasure to meet her. Her work experience was broad, but she found her calling in healthcare. She enjoyed helping others, she worked many years as a direct care aide at Southwestern Virginia Training Center with only one regret, that she didn't get into it sooner. Throughout her life she loved music and dancing, recently her favorite things to do were reading, watching TV and working puzzles with her buddies. More than anything, she enjoyed being outside near water of any kind. She was happiest when floating the river or walking and splashing on the beach. She loved her family and friends very much. Betty will be deeply missed but forever remembered as a sweet and spunky bright light of everlasting love and compassion. Left to cherish her memory are two sons and daughters-in-law, Bryan and Linda Hanks, and Darrell and Leslie Hanks; two daughters and a son-in-law, Susan and Corbitt Bourne, and Stacy Jones; a step-daughter, Sandy Jones; She was "Nana Betty" or "Doodle" to eight grandchildren, Andrew Hanks, Cara Hanks, and Ila Hanks, Kadison Bourne, Jaeton Whitaker, and Jamin Whitaker, Hendrix Atkins-Jones, Pearl Jones; a special friend and caregiver, Krystal Donithan; and so many more great friends and family. In addition to her parents, Ms. Jones was preceded in death by her sister, Lola Shumate. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday May 11, 2025, at 1:00pm at Briarleigh Apartments in the community room. Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family.