Carol Hanson, 79 of Havre de Grace Maryland, passed peacefully while sleeping in her home. Carol's family was present at her bedside, ensuring her comfort.

Carol was born Juanita Carol McReynolds to Walter and Frankie Irene McReynolds, was destined to beat the odds after her premature birth on October 11,1943. Baby Carol was ushered away and placed into a shoebox, to spare her Mother the pain of bonding with a child who was not expected to live. Feisty Carol fought through, and survived to be loved and adored by all who knew her.

A blind date set up by a friend led Carol to meet William "David" Hanson, who would become her 60-year-long sweetheart after their marriage on January 6th, 1963. They soon welcomed the first to call them Mom and Dad, a son named David William, Jr. Their two daughters, Kristin Michelle and Karen Darlene soon followed. Carol and Dave also welcomed Evelyn Joy through the foster care system into their home, and hearts. The couple worked for many years at the A&P, which became Superfresh. Carol worked as a bookkeeper, and Dave as a stocker, until both retired due to medical necessity.

Whether she knew it or not, everyone who knew describes Carol as simply "fun"! She loved her loads of jewelry, fashion, makeup, and hair design. She always made sure she looked her absolute snazziest when going out with friends for lunch and a Cosmopolitan. She wanted to be surrounded by her family and friends all the time, hosting crab-eating feasts, outings to the former San Lin's and Lin's Hibachi, watching the bagpipers at MacGregor's, or giving any excuse to order pizza and shoot the breeze.

She often visited friends in Florida, which was also where she insisted on seeing her first grandson being born!(She snuck behind the curtain, y'all.) For a little piece of The Sunshine State at home, Carol's hibiscus tree graced the living room of her home for many years. She had a revolving collection of houseplants, as well as her beloved rose bushes and other bright blooms placed outside her back porch.
When she wasn't busy soaking up the Florida sun and admiring her favorite pink flamingos, she made many trips to Tennessee, Ohio, and her hometown of Tazewell, Virginia. Many nights were spent playing cards and other games, dancing, listening to bluegrass and country music, cooking delicious meals, and having great conversations over a cold beer with her sisters Mavis and Sharon.

Traveling, and trips to conventions, filled her life with adventure and experiences she raved about for years after. One of those trips to London, England, is where she saw The Crown Jewels, and Her Royal Majesty The Queen in the flesh! Carol traveled far and wide, from cruises with husband Dave to The Bahamas and Bermuda, many road trips with their denomination, and a two-week trip to places including France, where she made her dream to see The Eiffel Tower in Paris a reality.

One of Carol's great joys in life was her ability to solve problems and play games. She was a huge fan of the Baltimore Orioles, and shared a lovely friendship with the late Vi Ripken. Memorabilia from the team, as well as Baltimore Ravens items, were a frequent fan-purchase for Carol. Sleuth slows and "whodunnit" programs like 'Murder She Wrote' and 'Poirot' were among her can't-miss list, along with puzzle shows like 'Wheel of Fortune' which she almost always solved first! She also enjoyed reading romance novels, and was a big fan of the epic film, 'Gone With the Wind'. The grandchildren, who knew her as "Nana" were always playing cards and checkers with her, never getting a free win. She taught integrity and skill with these simple games, as well as honesty, because she never tolerated anyone cheating! Carol was an absolute super-fan of Fleetwood Mac, discovering them in the 2000's, despite their popularity in the 70's, which was a running joke among her family.

Nana was quick to forgive and forget mistakes, even bad decisions. Her house was a safe haven for everyone she knew. Her arms were always the first to hug you, and her lips were always puckered to leave bright red lipstick marks on your face! Her love extended to the tiny dogs she cared for over the years, the most recent being her darling Coco Chanel, and Furiosa, often pampering the pups with nail polish and hair bows. Nana loved all animals, and for a short time fed a nearby fox that she called "Roxy Foxy", a simple task that gave her great joy.

Carol, Mom, Nana, Honey…however you knew her, you were blessed by her giving nature, often without even having to ask. Sometimes to a fault, Carol was usually the first to help anyone who she thought she could, in any way she could. Nana was a caregiver, who was anything you needed her to be; a shoulder to cry on, a drinking buddy, a Spades or Checkers partner, a supporter in the audience, a phone call away, an invitation to come swimming, a door to knock on, a couch to sleep on, a babysitter at the last minute, a surprise gift-giver, a fabulous cook, and always a judgement-free advice-giver for anyone who needed it. She got each one of us out of trouble many times over, and never made us feel any guilt for that. Nana was, and will always be remembered as what she was at her core, a helper. She was, as her grandson Garrett recalls, "just the best Nana ever, you couldn't ask for a better one."

Our beautiful Carol is remembered and cherished by her family, of whom she would want all to be recognized. Family was absolutely the most important thing in the world to our dearly missed Nana.


Son, William "David" Hanson Jr. and his wife Paula Hanson; granddaughter Heather Nicole Hanson, great-grandson Royal George Harrison. Daughter, Kristin Michelle Webb; Granddaughter Holly Michelle Curry and Matthew Paul Bodie, great-granddaughter London Rose Bodie. Granddaughter Kayli Marie Veres and husband Anthony James Veres, great-granddaughter Kayla Christine Veres and her fiancé Dylan Kobi, expecting Gracelynn Lauren Kobi. Great-granddaughter Dayley Elizabeth Veres, great-grandsons Tristan Dublin Walker, Damion James Veres, and Abel Lucien Walker. Grandson Garrett Arlin Webb and fiancée Samantha Jewell, great-grandson Linkous Arlin Webb. Daughter Karen Darlene and fiancé Michael Wayne McMillion; granddaughter Eden Marie Glover, great-grandson Gavin Joseph Lee Pritt.

*Celebration of Life will be at The Elk's Lodge Post #1564 in Havre de Grace Maryland, 2-7pm, 5/20/2023.
Online condolences may be made at www.zellmanfuneralhome.com.