Alene Hancock

Alene Hancock passed away peacefully on February 6, 2026, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center in Cookeville, TN. She was born on October 25, 1939, in Jackson County, TN.

Alene's journey through life was marked by her unwavering devotion to her family. She is survived by her children: Leonard (Debby) Hancock of Gainesboro, TN, Buddy (Jennifer) Hancock of Baxter, TN, Betty (Tim Montgomery) Hale of Buffalo Valley, TN, Reba Madell of Cookeville, TN, Emma (Richard) McMaster of Cookeville, TN, and April (Alvin) Gentry of Cookeville, TN. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Mary and Jackie Whitehead, Josh (Destiny) and Jacob Hancock; Melissa (Matt) Clevenger; Brian (Erin) Allen, William (Donnie) Hall, Kristy (Travis) Heizel, Randy (Savannah) and Jimmy (Turell) Hale, Hollister Huddleston, Angel (Rob) Snyder, Amanda (Nick) Mathis, Ashley (Mitch) Nunley, Bradley Cross, Rocky (Kyleigh) Pickerin, Jr., Zachary Pickerin, Jasmine "Suzy" Pickerin, Donovon (Caryn) Gentry, Adriana (Melissa) Walker, Kincaid (Sarah) Gentry, Danielle (Jordan) Gentry, and Levi Gentry,. along with 31 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Her love extended to her siblings, Thurman Jackson of Carthage, TN, William Jackson of Tompkinsville, KY, and Willene Jackson of IN. Alene's legacy is carried on through her cherished thirty-one grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, each of whom brought immense joy and pride into her life.

Alene was a woman of profound spiritual faith, which guided her through life's many seasons. Her belief was her compass, leading her to live a life marked by generosity, selflessness, and love. These virtues were evident to all who knew her, as she was affectionately called "Mema" and "Granny," titles that spoke of her nurturing nature and the warmth of her embrace.

She was a hardworking individual who balanced the demands of working in grocery stores with the responsibilities of farming. Her marriage of over 40 years was a partnership built on mutual respect and shared values, a testament to enduring love and commitment.

Alene's interests painted a picture of a woman who found beauty and joy in the simple pleasures of life. She was a master quilter, her hands weaving together threads that told stories of family, history, and love. Her love for the outdoors was evident in her passion for fishing. Music filled her soul, and singing was a way for her to express the melodies of her heart. In the kitchen, her cooking was an expression of love, each dish a carefully crafted gift for those she cared for.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband Ervin Hancock, her daughter Treva Hardy, an infant son, numerous brothers and sisters, her grandson Adam Cross, and two great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2026, from 1 PM until 4 PM. Visitation will resume on Monday, February 9, 2026, from 11 AM until 1 PM. Her funeral service will begin at 1 PM with Bro. John Herron officiating. Burial will follow at Smellage Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Alene's honor to assist with funeral expenses by contacting the business office of the funeral home.

Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.