Hanna Mathis

June 29, 1964 - July 5, 2022
Hanna  Mathis


Hanna Margaret Mathis was born June 29, 1964 in Charlotte, NC. She grew up in Durham and Bahama, NC where she loved riding horses, dancing, swimming, acting and cheering for the teams at Northern High School. She graduated from East Carolina University with a BFA in Art Education then graduated from UNC-Greensboro with a degree in Dance Education. She was an art teacher and started her own art school in Greensboro, NC. She was commissioned to paint a mural at the Kids Path Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro (HPCG). She has paintings in private and public collections across the country. She loved Wrightsville Beach, helping friends in need, rescuing animals, and traveling.

Hanna is survived by her parents, James Branson Mathis, Jr. and Margaret “Peggy” Anderson Mathis; sister Lyn Mathis Jenkins and husband Joe of Nags Head, NC.; and sister Laura Davidson Mathis and husband Tony Ward of Leland, NC. as well as nieces and nephews, Francie Bennett (Oliver), Joe Jenkins, Jr., James Jenkins, Brent Jenkins, Lela Ward, and Ella Ward. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins with special thanks to Julie Steele, Roy Anderson and Phil Anderson for their support and love through her life’s journey.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held 11:00 AM Sunday, July 10, 2022 at Wilmington Funeral Chapel led by Rev. Mark Tippett.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Zimmer Cancer Institute for their years of excellent care and to the SECU Brunswick Hospice House for their kindness and compassion in her final days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Adopt an Angel PO Box 15095, Wilmington, NC 28408 in honor of her beloved rescue dog, Graci.

Memories and condolences by visiting the “Tribute Wall” (on the website)
Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910-791-9099

Tribute Wall

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  • July 29, 2022
    Vicky W. says:
    Hanna was one of the most beautiful souls I’ve ever encountered. In her youth, she was magical. Her laughter was infectious. She never lost that spark. The conversations, the laughter, her talent, her kindness, her beauty …all stood out. Words cannot truly express my thoughts and emotions. I will miss “Z “ …she told me wonderful things and I am grateful for our time . She said I always calmed her and made her laugh…my children might smile at that, but I’m delighted she thought so. My condolences and prayers go out to the wonderful Mathis family… Thank you for raising such a lovely soul. This describes Hanna perfectly ( although she was blessed w great beauty , just as all the Mathis women ): “ She was beautiful, for the way she thought. She was beautiful, for the sparkle in her eyes when she talked about something she loved. She was beautiful, for her ability to make other people smile, even if she was sad. No, she wasn't beautiful for something as temporary as her looks. She was beautiful, deep down to her soul. She is beautiful. “ F Scott Fitzgerald Fly free in Heaven, sweet friend. I love you forever. 🌸💕🌸🙏 Rest in the arms of our Lord.

  • July 10, 2022
    Pam_falls@msn.com says:
    Jim, Peggy …”Our sincere Condolences go out to you and your family . Dave and Pam .

  • July 10, 2022
    Dani says:
    Zinnia is the most amazing person I have ever been blessed enough to meet. Even through her own struggles, she always put other people and their needs and emotions before her own. She was like the mother I never had, the one person in my life who changed my view about unconditional love and friendship. This world will be at a loss without her. Another Angel has gotten their wings, and in the time Zinnia was on this planet she has touched and changed so many lives. Her legacy will live on in my family, she was such a huge part of our lives. Rest In Peace Zinnia, we send you all of our love forever and always.

  • July 10, 2022
    Rachel Miles says:
    Hannah’s family practically raised me, so I feel like I’ve known her my whole life. My favorite memory is seeing her joy while we all sang karaoke at my 40th Birthday party. A free spirit is now free. 💖

  • July 10, 2022
    Verna Wall says:
    My condolences to the Mathis family! I met my dear sweet friend "Hanna Banna" in high school. From sharing lockers, to coordinating our outfits, to sleepovers and our silly word association games, Hanna always made me smile and laugh! So very sad to hear of her passing as she will be missed by all those who were so fortunate to have her in their lives. Hanna was beautiful on the inside and out and was a true ray of sunshine!