A Life Story

Iris Gignilliat Hanson, age 97, passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, in Valdosta, Georgia. Iris was born in Savannah, Georgia on June 5, 1929 to Thomas Hart Gignilliat and Iris Watkins Gignilliat. She grew up in Savannah and attended Pape Private School. In 1950 , she graduated from the University of Georgia and married Elighue Gordon Hanson on June 24, 1950. The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, so she was a new bride for one day before becoming a Navy wife. They were blessed with three sons, E. Gordon Hanson III (Barbara) of Indian Land, South Carolina, Thomas Gignilliat Hanson of Norfolk, Virginia, and John William Hanson (Bonnie) of Valdosta, Georgia. Iris was a proud grandmother of six grandchildren, Thomas G. Hanson, Jr., Cory T. Hanson and Casey M. Hanson of Los Angeles, California, Claire E. Hanson of Atlanta, Georgia, Christopher G. Hanson of Arlington, Virginia and Joshua W. Hanson of San Antonio, Texas. Iris also had three great-grandchildren, Charles Hanson, Parker Hanson and Kasra Hanson all of Los Angeles, California. Although first and foremost a homemaker, she tirelessly volunteered in many church and civic organizations in Norfolk, Virginia. During family Navy deployments to South Korea and Taiwan she worked as a dental assistant and as a English teacher at the Chinese National War College. When her husband Gordon died in 2006, she returned to school and became a Certified Nursing Assistant. She worked in this profession well past her ninetieth birthday. The family will receive friends 5 o'clock until 7 o'clock Monday evening at Gamble Funeral Service, 410 Stephenson Ave., Savannah. Graveside services will be held at 10:30 in the morning on Tuesday, July 14th at the Hanson family plot in Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah.