Elaine Hoosier Hanks, also known as "Dolly", age 81 of Jefferson, passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at Ashe Memorial Hospital. She was born on February 2, 1945 in Ashe County to Lillard and Louise Elizabeth Proctor Hoosier. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Robert Avery Hanks, Jr.

Mrs. Hanks was a devoted member of Bristol Baptist Church, where her faith and compassion shaped the lives of many. A longtime Sunday School teacher, she found great joy in sharing her love of scripture and guiding generations of children with patience, kindness, and unwavering dedication. 

Mrs. Hanks is survived by:

One daughter, Lori Calloway Wilson of Jefferson;

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Samaritans Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607; Ebenezer Christian Children’s Home, 1006 Byrd Ridge Road, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659; or the Ashe Memorial Hospital Foundation, 200 Hospital Avenue, Jefferson, NC 28640.