Hannah Ruth Timmons

Hannah Ruth Timmons died peacefully surrounded by family and friends in Columbia, SC on September 18, 2022 at the age of 88. Hannah was born on August 12, 1934 in Kingstree, SC to John Harmon Timmons, Jr. and Helen Ruth Wesley Timmons. She graduated from Manning High School in 1952. She attended the University of South Carolina and received a BA in English and a Master of Education. She was married to James Lewis Mitchell of Manning, SC and spent many years in the office furniture and supply business.

She spent 30 years teaching, two at Manning High School and 28 in Richland School District One, where she taught English at University High School, Dreher High School, Columbia High School, and at AC Flora High School. After retirement, Hannah was active in her community and participated in several boards, commissions, and volunteer positions. She was dedicated to her work in the SC Silver Haired Legislature (SCSHL), where she rose to the level of Speaker (2015-2018) and to the National Silver Haired Congress, serving as the Chairman of the Board (2008-2012). She served as the Commissioner of the Richland County Recreation Commission (2001-2006). She was a member of Senior Resources (2002-2007), DHHS Real Choice Advisory Council (2002-2004), and Coalition for Successful Aging representing SCSHL. Hannah was also the AARP Chapter #4809 President (1997-1998), Secretary (1994 and 2004), and Vice President (2003). She volunteered for the Richland County Education Association (Retired), SC Education Associate (Retired), and the National Education Association/National Education Associate (Retired) in various roles including president, vice president, parliamentarian, convention delegate, and secretary (1987-2005).

In her retirement, Hannah received several awards including AARP NRTA 50th Anniversary National Retired Educator Award for South Carolina (1997), Richland County Education Association-Retired - Outstanding Volunteer (1998), and South Carolina Education Association-Retired Member of the Year Award (2000).

She was an avid reader, enjoyed traveling, and was fond of The Hansom Wheels, an official scion society of The Baker Street Irregulars, a group devoted to preserving the memory of Sherlock Holmes. Hannah enjoyed going to ballets at the Koger Center and loved attending musicals and plays at the Town Theatre, Trustus Theatre, and the Columbia Children’s Theatre with her beloved friends.

Hannah was predeceased by her parents and her husband James Lewis Mitchell and brother who died in infancy, John Harmon Timmons, III. She is survived by her brother Paul Timmons Sr. (Carol), nephew Paul Timmons, Jr. (Kelly), niece Rachel Adams, sister Harriett Miller and Harriett’s immediate family, stepchildren James Mitchell Jr., Janice Wyatt Mitchell, and Lloyd Mitchell. She had many loving cousins but was especially close to Lura Elaine Elliott. Also surviving her are her adoptive family, the Mesas: Manuel and Lucero Mesa, Laura LaBoone (David), Adriana Dickert (Paul), Anna Mesa (Christian), Megan LaBoone, Thomas LaBoone, Lucas Dickert, and Jacob Dickert whom she considered to be her own grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Celebration of Life will be held at Spring Valley Country Club on October 7th, 2022 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. A private burial will be held in Manning, SC at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Hannah requested that contributions be made to either of her favorite local theater organizations: Columbia Children’s Theatre Support the Theatre | Columbia Children's Theatre (columbiachildrenstheatre.com) and Town Theatre http://towntheatre.com/3773-2/

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.