WILMINGTON – On Aug. 25, 2016, Hannah Richelle Reid Felts, passed away in her home in Sunset Park, 
Wilmington, North Carolina. She was 41 years old.
She was a beloved wife, daughter, sister, aunt, niece and friend. Her life was a testimony to her determination, her courage, and her bravery as she faced numerous, very difficult challenges with her health and well-being.
She possessed a unique combination of intelligence, creativity, logic and an organizational aptitude that contributed to her many achievements. Her study of aesthetics in Falls Church, Virginia, was followed by many years in the Beauty Industry.
Most recently, she and her husband, Bennie Felts, owned and operated a Wilmington business, Manic Vintage. Television and movie costumers relied on them for wardrobes ranging from the 1920s through the ’70s. She ardently believed in preserving the history of fashion and what it said about American life.
From the time she was a small girl, she. She was a trusted volunteer at the Friends of Feline, a rescue organization for feral cats in Wilmington. She had such a convincing demeanor that all who knew her agreed to adopt or foster the pets she rescued. She herself saved hundreds of cats and dogs and turned them into loving pets. Placing an animal was one of her most gratifying experiences.
Mrs. Felts was a loving “Auntie” to her niece Sophie and her nephew, Mateo. Her playful spirit, her sense of humor, her love of adventure, assured her of special relationships with all children. She was also the consummate “champion” for the underdog, and the underprivileged. She wanted to right the world’s wrongs especially for animals and those who could not defend themselves.
Since the age of 13, she struggled with bipolar illness. She has lived an admirable life of service, in spite of the heavy burden she carried with her at all times. She had the enviable ability to laugh at herself and her disability, to put others at ease, and to focus on how she could make things better for all. She paid a heavy price for living her values. At times her burden of depression took a toll on her health and her relationships. Those who loved her would not see or hear from her for weeks as she attempted to “rebalance” herself and her health.
Like many chronic illnesses, bipolar symptoms can worsen with time. On Aug. 25, 2016, she could no longer manage the delicate balance of health and disease that she had mastered for years. She lost a “battle,” but her life is evidence of her “winning” the war. Hannah was brave; she was a hero to many. She was a strong woman. She had a big heart. She will be deeply and forever missed by all who love her.
Hannah was married to Bennie Felts. Her Dad is Lt. Col. (Ret.) William H Reid. Her Mother is Faye Collins Reid Bridges. Her brother is Ryan M. Reid.
Services will be held for Hannah Reid on Friday. Sept. 2, at 6:30 p.m., at Andrews Chapel on Market Street in Wilmington, NC.
The family requests that donations be made to the Friends of Feline organization in Wilmington in lieu of flowers.