Dorothy "Jean" (Currey) Hanks

Dorothy Jean Hanks, 73, of Marion, Illinois passed away on August 28, 2024, at St. Louis University Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri.  She was born on May 18, 1951, in Marion, Illinois, the daughter of Carl Dean Travelstead and Patsy Currey.

On November 7, 1980, she married the love of her life, Robert “Bobby” Hanks, and they shared nearly 44 happy years together.

Jean was a vibrant soul who knew how to live life to the fullest. she loved the Sikeston Rodeo, Monday night dances, local fairs, and the Peach Festival. Family stories will always include the time she snuck into the fair and won a goldfish — a classic Jeanie move! She adored Christmas and was like a second mom to many of her children's friends, spoiling them with her cooking and her warm, welcoming spirit.

She spent many years working in the dietary department at the V.A. Hospital, Skelley's Truck Stop, and at her daughter Misty's restaurant, where she was known to whip up some of the best dishes in town.

She loved summer concerts, trips to Metropolis, Illinois, Riverboat Casino, and her annual escape to Daytona, Florida. A devoted fan of Elvis, Eddie Rabbitt, the Beach Boys, and Three Dog Night, she always had the perfect playlist for any occasion.

Jean is survived by her husband, Bobby Hanks; children Jim Fishback, Tracey Jackson, Misty Fishback, grandchildren Austin and Caleb Fishback, Christian Walker, and Devin Jackson; sister Janice Travelstead; like a sister Kim (Russell), Sara and Rachel Moore, niece that was more like a daughter,  Angie (Jason) Deming, niece Kendra Williams; nephews Gary (Christina) Sims; Brandon Sims; sister-in-law Helen (Tony) Elders; cousins Brad Dennis and Danny Doughty; several great nieces and nephews and great- great nieces and nephews.  Like family, Becky, Robin, Leisha, Judee Hogue, Darryl Clevenger, Kerrie, Ricky and Landen Rayne and Lexi Grant.

She is preceded in death by her mother Pat (John) Morgan; father Carl Dean Travelstead; brother Donnie Travelstead; grandma Geneva Currey; grandpa Joe Ebb; aunt Peggy (Jim) Doughty; cousin Valline Loucks; father-in-law Lyman Hanks; sister-in-law Genevieve Hanks; uncle-in-law Dale Hanks; grandfather-in-law Alonzo Hanks.

Jean’s life will be celebrated with a visitation for friends and family on Monday, September 2, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Binkley-Ross Funeral Home located at 1702 West Boulevard Street, Marion, Illinois.  Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, beginning at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor John Holst officiating.  There will be an additional time of visitation on Tuesday, beginning at 10:00 A.M. until the start of the funeral service. Interment will follow at County Line Cemetery, Creal Springs, Illinois.

She will be dearly missed but forever cherished in the hearts of all who knew her.