Dorothy Gay Hanna

Dorothy Gay (Fortner) Hanna, 68, of Gulfport died, February 10, 2010, in Gulfport.
Gay was born January 18, 1942 in Jackson, MS. She was a retired elementary school teacher, having taught at Reeve's Elementary school in Long Beach for 26 years. Prior to her teaching career, she served as childrenaÌ‚â‚â„¢s Librarian at Huntsville, AL and Mobile, AL.
After retiring she volunteered as an assistant in the library at St. PatrickaÌ‚â‚â„¢s Catholic High School. She was a member of the Mississippi Library Association and served as representative for the Mississippi Teachers Association for several years.
Gay was a devoted wife to her husband, Hugh, of 46 years.
She graduated from Natchez High School, then attended Hinds Jr. College and graduated from Mississippi University of Women in 1964 with a degree in Library Science. She later received her Master's degree in Library Science from the University of Southern Mississippi.
She was a devoted mother to her three sons, Richard, George, and David. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother for many years. She was a faithful member of Mississippi City United Methodist Church, serving as president of the United Methodist Women, singing in the choir, and serving on the Administrative Board. More recently as a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, she sang in the choir.
In addition to reading, Gay loved to travel with her grandchildren, Burgundy and Joseph. She enjoyed taking Burgundy to dance lessons, watching her recitals, and following Joseph's sports activities. In the last year, her third grandchild, Sophie Rose has been a joy to her and comfort during her illness.
Gay was preceded in death by her father, The Reverend George T. Fortner.
Gay leaves to mourn her loss and rejoice her life, her husband, Hugh B. Hanna of Gulfport; her mother, Adelaide Fortner Powell; her brother, John Fortner and his wife, Julia; her sister, Dawn Anderson; her children, Richard Hanna and his wife Lisa of Biloxi, George Hanna and his wife Anne of Ocean Springs, and David Hanna and his wife Anne of Knoxville, TN; and her grandchildren, Burgundy Hanna, Joseph Hanna, and Sophie Rose Hanna.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 13, 2010, at Trinity United Methodist Church, Gulfport, at 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior to service.
The graveside service will be held at 4:00 PM at Lakewood Memorial Park, Jackson.
The family prefers memorial donations to Trinity United Methodist Church, 5007 Lawson Ave., Gulfport, MS 39507, or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
The RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Gulfport, is in charge of arrangements.
An online obituary may be viewed and guestbook signed at www.riemannfamily.com.