Jo Ann Hancock's Obituary
Jo Ann Laws Hancock, devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and wife. Jo Ann contributed greatly to the lives she touched. In Mexico City, she taught English at the American School there and students loved her. A dancer in early years, she excelled in athletics. An avid sports woman she passed along her skills to other as a Red Cross Certified Swimming Instructor and was able to help many youngsters to enjoy a life free of fear. In the Girl Scouts, Jo Ann was often seen with her charges at her frequent campouts and was instrumental in setting up the first Girl Scout program in Orange, Texas. An active cyclist, Jo Ann contributed her time and organizational skill to the American Bicycle Association and sponsored local and Century rides for adults and children. There is a large mature Elm tree at the Heights Elementary School in Richardson on the campus that faces Belt Line that her family refers to as “Nannie’s tree,” which was planted there by her Brownie Troop in 1961. She served her church, First Church of Christ Scientist, Richardson, from its inception as a Christian Science Society though the process of becoming recognized by the Mother Church in Boston as the First Church Christ Scientist, Richardson. No chore for the church was too small for her to do cheerfully and well, She served on boards and in all its actives and held the position of Second Reader, after being elected for a three year term. Jo Ann’s belief in God was very strong and which she demonstrated in her activities with the hope of always expressing God’s presence in her life. While modest in her claims as an artist, preferring to be considered an art lover, she was nonetheless very talented. Jo Ann was a voracious reader of a wide variety of subjects-which made her interesting conversationalist with educated opinions. A guileless woman, she spoke her mind and let one know where she stood on matters. Her opinion was appreciated by all who knew her well. Jo Ann always expressed her deep love and appreciation for our country and of the marvelous gift to have been born an American. Her loyalty to our country’s ideals was fundamental and demonstrated in what she did. Jo Ann was active in politics and served as Chairman for the Bush for Senate Youth Campaign, in Orange, County, Texas, and was active in other campaigns of former President George H. W. Bush. Jo Ann was an exceptionally honest person, trusted by all, and set an example for her family members, She was a true helpmate to her husband through the good times and rough times. He exhibited a steadfast honesty and loyalty to her marriage vows. As a mother she spent time with her daughter Vicki, the two where best friends. The two took frequent trips together and she enjoyed the reminiscing of those occasions. Her life was filled with contribution to her fellow man, in the form of affection, loyalty, honesty and love. Her marvelous sense of humor-even times of tribulation was inspiring to family and friends. A time remember Jo Ann with her family will be held on Friday, December 19, 2014 from 6:00-8:00pm at Restland Funeral Home. A memorial service for Jo Ann will be at 12:30 PM on Saturday, December 20, 2014 in The Wildwood Chapel at Restland Funeral Home. Jo Ann Hancock; A truly unique woman..generous, loving, humorous, determined, gritty, exceptionally intelligent, winsome, loyal, honest, straight forward, guileless, spiritual, mysterious, passionate, artistic, a partner of exceptional depth whose nature caused my heart to warm each day for 69 years. I have been a most fortunate man. The lyrics of the song “You were meant for me” tells our story. Thank you God! Victor Hancock Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, at Restland Road, Dallas, TX 75243. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Jo Ann Hancock please visit our Sympathy Store.
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