Helen Hancock

The beloved Mom, Grammie, sister, aunt, friend and community servant, Helen Hancock of Ocean Springs, MS unexpectedly passed away on April 18, 2024 at the age of 72. 

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Robert "Bob" C. Hancock; her father and mother, Andrew and Anne Adamchik; and her faithful dog, Radar. She is survived by her sons, Zeke (Shannon) of Oak Ridge, TN and Matt of Houston, TX; grandchildren, Zoey, Oliver and Emilee; siblings, Judi (Paul) Ozug and Pat (Dave) Maddox; and her dog, Sammie. 

She was born November 9, 1951 in Highland, Indiana, where she grew up until attending Purdue University. She later attended the University of Mississippi for a Juris Doctorate. She and her family arrived on the Gulf Coast in 1993, making it her home ever since. She worked for the US District Court in Biloxi (now Gulfport) until she retired in 2014. 

Helen was a lover of games, travel, birds watching, volunteering, animals, reading and Jesus. She had a laugh that could be heard from across the room, but above all, she loved her family. She was a loving Mom to her sons, Zeke and Matt, and a dedicated Grammie to Zoey, Oliver and Emilee. Time spent with her was filled with adventure, laughter, games, baking and short hikes where she would teach “the Grands” about plants and birds. She often misheard what was said to her, which resulted in us all laughing so hard we had tears running down our faces. “Johnny Depp?”

As a widow for over 20 years, Helen dedicated her time to serve the Gulf Coast community. She was a faithful member of Gautier First United Church, where she actively led on the Staff Pastor Parish Relations Committee, taught “Helen’s Bible Study” twice weekly, and spurred her congregation on to serve those in need in our community. Helen was also the president of the local chapter of the Christian Motorcycle Association. Helen initiated and championed the “Blessing of the Bikes” held annually at Gautier First UMC for over 20 years; some years reaching an attendance of over 800 riders from all along the Gulf Coast. In addition, Helen was a servant and leader at Seashore Mission Homeless Resource Center in Biloxi serving as the treasurer for over 20 years, as well as  chairing the internals affairs committee. Finally, she served on the Advisory Council of Kairos Outside Ministry of South Mississippi taking on various leadership roles and leading monthly small groups aiding those with incarcerated loved ones.  

Helen will be buried at the Biloxi National Cemetery next to her husband, Bob, in a private ceremony. 

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 27, 2024 at the First United Methodist Church in Gautier, MS (2717 Highway 90, Gautier, MS). Please come in casual and colorful attire, as she would have preferred it! From 2:00pm until 3:00pm, all are invited to visit with the family and each other sharing “words of remembrance and witness” honoring Helen. Light refreshments will be served.  At 3:00pm, a memorial/celebration-of-life service will begin. This service will be live streamed for those unable to gather in person. Please check the Gautier First UMC Facebook page for details. In lieu of flowers, donations and memorials may be given to Kairos Prison Ministry of Mississippi (https://www.kairos-mississippi.org/donate.html).

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Helen Hancock.