Freda Ann Hankins

Freda Ann O’Neal Hankins, age 78, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loving family, on February 2, 2026. Born on January 21, 1948, in Forsyth, Georgia, Freda spent her early childhood there before moving to Warner Robins at the age of seven, where she would build a life full of love, laughter, and service to others.

Freda graduated from Northside High School in 1966. After high school, she briefly worked at Robins Air Force Base, followed by a short period of employment at C&S Bank. She later returned to Robins Air Force Base, where she dedicated a total of 31 years of service before retiring. During her career, Freda worked as a key punch operator and later as a mainframe computer operator, contributing her skills to the U-2 Dragon Lady Program—work she was proud of and known for doing with precision and care. Meticulous and thorough in all she did, Freda took great pride in a job well done.

After retirement, Freda devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family, lovingly caring for her stepfather and later her mother in her own home for more than 10½ years. This season of her life reflected who she was at her core: selfless, patient, and deeply loving.

Freda had a true joy for life. She had a remarkable green thumb and found happiness digging in the dirt, nurturing plants, and watching things grow. She enjoyed sewing, was a wonderful cook, and loved spending time fishing and hunting alongside her husband. One of her greatest joys was keeping her grandbabies, filling their days with love, laughter, and memories they will treasure forever. She also dearly loved her dogs and cats—many of them over the years—treating each as part of the family.

A devoted member of New Hope International, Freda faithfully served in the church nursery, caring for little ones with the same gentleness and joy she shared everywhere she went. She was a prankster at heart, loved playing jokes on people, and could always be counted on for a smile or a laugh. Freda truly never met a stranger and lived by her favorite saying: “There are no strangers in the world, just friends we haven’t met yet.”

Known for her warm personality, loving heart, and easy likability, Freda Ann O’Neal Hankins leaves behind a legacy of kindness, service, laughter, and unconditional love. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and forever cherished by those who loved her.

Freda was preceded in death by her father, Frederick O’Neal; mother, Annie Lois Wallace; stepfather, Carlton Wayne Wallace; stepmother, Jewel O’Neal; brother, David O’Neal; and sister-in-law, Charlotte O’Neal.

Her memory will forever be treasured by her husband, Charles Hankins; children, Anthony Paul Matthews (Susan) of Suffolk, Virginia and Mark Wayne Matthews (Sonja) of Byron, Georgia; grandchildren, Tyler Matthews, Kayla Smith (Dalton), Brandon Matthews, and Abigale Matthews; great grandchildren, Adleigh Smith, Colton Smith, and Miranda Flattum; and siblings, L. Carol O’Neal, Lynn Floyd (Gary), Robin Floyd (Keith), and Denise Peacock (Kelly).

Visitation will be Wednesday, February 4, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home with a funeral service immediately following in the chapel. Afterward, Freda will be laid to rest privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be given in memory of Freda Hankins to Alzheimer’s Association of by visiting https://www.alz.org/?form=FUNDHYMMBXU .

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.