ROCKINGHAM — Melba “Jewell” Hancock, 93, of Rockingham, passed away peacefully on Dec. 1, 2021 at her home surrounded by family.
Jewell was born in Richmond County on April 4, 1928 to the late Marvin and Pearlie Terry. She was the oldest of nine daughters in her family.
Jewell was a homemaker and loved working in her garden her whole life until she couldn’t do it anymore. She loved canning and freezing the fruits of her labor and gladly shared it with anyone in need. Whenever guests or family would visit, she prepared a meal that usually included vegetables from the garden, sweet tea and homemade cakes, pies, cookies, or her pound cake that she never seemed able to make enough of. It would always be a feast because she always said no one would ever leave her table hungry.
Only Jesus knows the many things she has created with a needle and thread and scraps of cloth in her lifetime. Those who were fortunate to have a quilt or even potholders she handcrafted will cherish them.
She loved the Lord with an undying passion. She also loved her church and her church family with all her heart. She taught her Sunday school class for many years at Cordova United Methodist Church. Praying with Jesus everyday was her way of life.
Everyone will miss her dearly, but can take comfort in knowing she is in heaven with the Lord’s family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Wilson Hancock, who she shared 66 years with; one grandson, Adam Hancock; as well as four sisters; Pauline Dawkins, Ruby Smith, Shirley Ludlum, and Hazel Dawkins.
Left to cherish her memories are sons, Jimmy Hancock (Teresa), Roger Hancock (Lannie), Allen Hancock (Leeanna); grandchildren, Jeremy Hancock, Bryan Hancock, Shelly Steele, Eva Odom-Galler, Jamie Hancock; five great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren; and sisters, Mabel Moore, Mary Francis Renegar, Barbara Smith and Patsy McDonald.
The family will receive family and friends Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021 from 5-7 p.m. at Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham.
A funeral service will be conducted Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021 at 3 p.m. at Richmond Co. Memorial Park with the the Rev. Michael Griffin officiating. Burial will follow at the mausoleum at Richmond Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cordova United Methodist Church, PO Box 279, Cordova NC 28330; or Richmond County Hospice, 1119 US Hwy 1 N, Rockingham, NC 28379.
Online condolences maybe made at www.watson-kingfuneralhome.com.
Watson-King Funeral home is serving the Hancock family.
