Carol Sue Hanfland

On March 11, 2024, Carol Sue Hanfland (Bray), 77, of Acworth, GA, passed away peacefully at home lovingly surrounded by her family.

Born May 14, 1946, to Thomas and Mardell Bray, Carol grew up in Fairbury, IL, and attended Fairbury Cropsey High School. She later went on to work as a claims analyst for County Companies where she met her loving husband, Jim. They were married on August 6, 1966.

Carol and Jim raised their two sons in Gridley, IL. Even after moving to Georgia in 1999 to be closer to their sons and families, they remained steadfast in family, friendships, and community ties in Illinois. After moving they quickly built a community of support in Georgia and formed friendships that have lasted the years. Carol had many passions and interests that sustained her throughout her years. She was an avid gardener; lover of birds, bees, and butterflies; an antique enthusiast; and a cross stitcher, creating beautiful pieces displayed in family quilts. 

Carol took every opportunity she could to pass along her talents and interests to her family and community. One of her proudest moments was becoming a Master Gardener. She volunteered her time engaged in special community projects, but her most treasured was working with the Junior Master Gardener program at a local school in Eatonton, GA where she taught children to till, plant, harvest, and enjoy the bounty of their efforts.

Carol is survived by her husband, Jim Hanfland; children, Lance (spouse, Kristin) and Brandon (spouse, Tracy); grandchildren: Sia (spouse, Max), Dylan, Trevor (fiancée, Dede), Ben (fiancée, Taylor), Alec, Alex, Tyler, and Kennedy; great-grandchildren, Quinn and Luca; brother, Darryl Bray (spouse, Frank Costello); their family pet Bella and countless extended family and friends. Carol was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Bray, and mother, Mardell Bray (Cooperider). Carol was a beautiful force within her family and friends, often sharing wisdom and truth wrapped in love and laughter. She will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her.

A celebration of life will take place in Gridley, IL at a date later this year. In loving memory of Carol’s gifts and passions, donations can be made to the Georgia Master Gardener Association or through the University of Georgia’s Bee Program.