Charlene Marie Hanks Hughes passed away at the age of 89 on August 4, 2026. She was born in Jackson, MS, on June 11, 1937, to the late James and Maud Hanks. Charlene was also predeceased by her brother and sister-in-law Jim and Ann Hanks, nephew Lee Jackson Parris, and her oldest and dearest friend, Emily Mitchell.

After graduating from Carr Central High School in 1956, Charlene enrolled in the Vicksburg Hospital School of X-Ray Technology, graduating in 1958. While working for 44 years at the Vicksburg Hospital, she served as president of the Mississippi Radiological Association, received the Mississippi X-Ray Technologist of the Year award being the first woman to receive this honor (and the only person to receive it twice), and served as an instructor for the X-Ray Technician program at the hospital. In addition, Charlene was the Chief X-Ray Technician for many years. After retirement, she designed the radiology department for River Region Medical Center and later enjoyed working part-time for the Claiborne County Hospital in their X-Ray department.

Charlene was an accomplished athlete, winning numerous golf tournaments well into her 80s, including the Clydad Mae “Shug” Campbell Super Grand Senior Medalist, the Jo Bradford Memorial Medalist Trophy Mississippi Women’s Senior Amateur- Grand Lady Division, the MWGA Sarah Gilliss Memorial Trophy Senior State Amateur 70-79, the Women’s Senior Amateur Super Grand Senior Medalist, the Louise Shipp Grand Senior Medalist MWGA, the Grand Lady Division First Flight, the Jackson Women’s Golf Association, and the Jeannie Taylor Trophy for the Over 80 category. Charlene was a proud member of the Steel Magnolias Golf for Women League and the Country Club of Canton. She was a former longtime member of the Mosswood Country Club in Port Gibson, where she made two holes-in-one. She also achieved a hole-in-one at Black Bear Golf Club. In addition to her golf career, Charlene was an excellent bowler and was fiercely proud of achieving a perfect game.

Although Charlene accomplished much in her lifetime, her love of family and her role as the Matriarch of the Hanks Family was indeed her greatest title. She cherished her time spent with her siblings, nieces, nephews, and extended golf family. Charlene is survived by her brothers, Buddy (Jane) Hanks, Bubba (Linda) Hanks, Ricky (Dutch) Hanks, and Bill (Bonnie) Hanks, her sisters Tina (Steve) Parris, and Maudie (Mike) Ellis, and her sister-in-law Sharon Hanks. She is also survived by her nieces, Leslie Dee, Missy (Kevin) Giles, Tracey (Jim) Dantin, goddaughter Lori (Lester) Tzotzolas, Caroline (Ward) Stuckey, Elizabeth (Hector) Ramirez, Kayla (Aaron) Elmore, and Nicole (Sean) Ellison and her nephews, Skeet (Alison) Hanks, Robbie Hanks, Woody (Nici) Hanks, Chris (Jennifer) Hanks, Ricky (Jesse) Hanks, and Andy (Gabe) Ellis, as well as numerous great nieces and nephews. Charlene is also survived by her devoted friend and companion, Sissy Kern, as well as her beloved furbaby Ally Mae.

Charlene loved fiercely and was fiercely loved in return. She was a devout Catholic who prayed for her family and others every day. She was always kind and loving and always greeted family and friends with a smile and kiss on the lips. Charlene never met a stranger, and no one ever left her presence without feeling cherished. Her heart was tender and pure, and her absence will be felt by many.

Visitation will be held at Fisher-Riles Funeral Home in Vicksburg, MS, on Friday, August 7, from 5:00-7:00. Visitation will resume at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Port Gibson, MS, on Saturday, August 8, at 10:00 with Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00, officiated by Father PJ Curley.  Interment will follow in Port Gibson Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 411 Coffee St., Port Gibson, MS, 39150 or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.