Margaret Rose Hanley's Obituary
Margaret, known by many as Margo, was a dedicated and proud veteran of the United States Navy, as well as a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and dear friend. She lived in Jacksonville, Florida for the past 20+ years, but her time in the Navy allowed her to live and work all over the world, including Annapolis, Maryland; Naples, Italy; Guam; Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; and Jacksonville, Florida. After more than 23 years of honorable service, she retired with distinction as a Chief Hospital Corpsman.
Before her military career, Margaret worked as a schoolteacher in Gingerland, Nevis, where her passion for helping others and guiding young minds began. During that time, she met the father of her 3 loving children Jomo, Jayce and Joi. In the years that followed, they raised their family together, migrating to Saint Thomas before eventually settling in Florida.
Those who served alongside her knew her not only as Margaret or Margo, but as Chief Hanley. A respected leader who carried the responsibility of caring for sailors and mentoring those under her command. She wore her uniform with pride and upheld the highest standards of service, earning the admiration and respect of those who served beside her.
Margaret was known for her strength, warmth, humor, and unwavering love for her family. She had a way of making people feel welcomed and cared for, and her presence brought comfort and laughter to those around her.
Margaret Rose Hanley, 72, passed away unexpectedly on February 21, 2026, in Hinesville, Georgia.
She is survived by her three children, Jomo Thompson, Jayce Thompson, and Joi Thompson; her beloved granddaughter, Jayla Thompson; her siblings, Angela Hanley, Cyrillon “CY” Hanley, Patrick “Globe” Hanley, Dawn Hanley, Randolph “Randy” Hanley, Shireen Hanley-Heath, Ian Hanley, Mylène Hanley-Farrell, and Marcella “Marcee” Hanley; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, God children, extended family members, and friends who loved her dearly.
She was preceded in death by her father, George “Mowbray” Hanley, her mother, Albertha Claxton Hanley and her brothers Stevenson Hanley and Clive Hanley.
The family would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Margo’s dear friends and neighbors, Deb Taylor and Oma Rampersand, for the love, kindness, and friendship they shared with her and for making her feel like part of their family.
Margaret’s legacy of service, love, and strength will live on through the many lives she touched.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Margaret’s memory by extending kindness to others, supporting a veteran, or simply keeping her family in your thoughts and prayers.
What’s your fondest memory of Margaret?
What’s a lesson you learned from Margaret?
Share a story where Margaret's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Margaret you’ll never forget.
How did Margaret make you smile?