Jane Attaway Hanna

Jane Attaway Hanna, 97, of Beaufort, SC, passed away on February 25, 2025, surrounded by family. Jane was born December 22, 1927, in Beaufort, SC, where she lived most of her life. Jane met her future husband of 69 years, Donald Gene Hanna (“Don”), at a USO dance. They were married in 1946 as soon as Don could make it back from the Pacific after serving in Guam in the United States Navy. As newlyweds, the couple moved cross-country to Venice, CA, where she got to know Don’s large family, followed by a few years in Charleston, SC where Don finished college at The Citadel. During that time, Jane worked for banks in Santa Monica, CA and Charleston, SC. The couple then moved to Florida in 1950 where they started their family, and Jane enjoyed staying at home and raising their three daughters in those early years. In 1960, the Hannas returned to Beaufort where Jane worked for SCE&G for ten years and then for the Beaufort Board of Education from which she retired in 1990. In her leisure time, Jane could often be found at the tennis courts playing with friends. In 1997, Jane and Don realized a longtime dream to move out to their property on Judge Island, Coosaw where they had been acquiring land since the late 1940s. On Coosaw they enjoyed living in the country, close to nature, sharing many years of meals, holidays, bonfires and tractor rides with each new generation. Jane was passionate about her family and Beaufort history. She kept up with as many members of both her family and her husband's as possible. Even at 97, she had a remarkable memory for names, dates and family connections in the Lowcountry. She loved gardening and was gratified that her three daughters followed in her footsteps. In her later years, she developed a keen interest in politics and followed the news closely. Wisecracking even through her final days, Jane always had a sense of humor and kept everyone laughing. Up until the end, Jane remained tenaciously caring and curious about the people and events surrounding her. Jane was a beloved matriarch, a rock for her family, and the last of her generation. She and her long memory of the stories, places and faces of Beaufort will be deeply missed. 

Jane was predeceased by her husband, Don, her parents, Herbert B. Attaway, Sr. and Rena Marvin Attaway, three sisters and two brothers. She is survived by three daughters: Nancy Day (John), San Diego, CA, Betsy Jackson (David), St. George, SC, and Laurie Hanna Jones, Beaufort, SC; five grandchildren: Audrey Taylor, SC, Erin Fitzgerald, Huntersville, NC, Cameron McNeill (Lisa), Summerville, SC, Allison Day (Star), Albuquerque, NM, and Tyler Day, San Diego, CA; six great grandchildren: Ailey and Conor Kunz, Keira, Declan and Hanna McNeill, and Valentín Silva; her niece, Melissa Attaway, Beaufort, SC; and many other nieces and nephews. The family gives a special thanks to her many caregivers who treated her so lovingly, especially Fredericka Jones who became a close friend over the years after also caring for Don. 

A memorial service for friends and family will be held at Copeland Funeral Service Chapel at 1 Copeland Drive in Beaufort at 1:00 pm, Saturday, March 1st. A graveside service will follow at Sacred Ground Cemetery, adjacent to St. Helena Church. Entrance on Newcastle Street. Reception to follow at the home of Melissa Attaway at 61 James F. Byrnes Street off Sam’s Point Road, Lady’s Island. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Open Land Trust or the Historic Port Royal Foundation & Museum. 

Copeland Funeral Service is assisting the Hanna Family with arrangements.