Willene Happoldt Hancock

Willene Happoldt Hancock went to be with her Lord and Savior, surrounded by those that had lovingly cared for her, on Monday, November 3, 2025. Services to honor her will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025, in the Sanctuary of First Baptist Church, 209 South Miller Street in Fort Valley, with visitation at 11:00 AM, followed by funeral services at 12:00 PM. Rev. Russ Bozeman and Rev. Don Rountree will officiate. Burial will be held in Oaklawn Cemetery immediately following her services.

Born in Macon to the late Charles Edward Happoldt and Mary Madeline Mattison Happoldt, Willene graduated from A.L. Miller High School for Girls. She married R.T. Hancock, Jr. and they began their livelihoods in farming, heavy construction and farm equipment, raising their children and loving their family and neighbors. A dedicated member of Salem Primitive Baptist Church in Knoxville, her unwavering faith was evident in all she said and did. Though she was a devoted homemaker, she also worked for Attorney at Law, George Culpepper, was a bookkeeper for her husband, and owned and operated a home decor shop called "Valley Accents". Her beautiful smile and gracious attitude earned her the title of "Grama" to all those fortunate enough to have known her. While others lovingly called her Mama, Lena, BamMa and friend. Those who knew her will remember her big heart and the love she so freely gave to others.

Left to cherish the memories of such a remarkable woman are her children, Kitty and Reggie Kocher and Charles "Chuck" and Sandy Hancock; grandchildren, Derek Plummer (Jan), Jessica West (Brent), Richard McKinney (Sierra), Rus Morman (Makayla), and Molly Morman; great grandchildren, Clayton Plummer, Payton Plummer, Sawyer Lord, Adelyn West, Parker West and Myles Morman; great-greatgrandchild, Carson Plummer; her sister, Louise Bryan; and numerous nieces, nephews, and many more family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, R.T. Hancock, Jr.

The family is beyond grateful for the loving care and support received by the staff of Gentiva Hospice. As many others who crossed Willene's path, they too became a part of her family.

In lieu of flowers, family respectfully requests donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org) or to Georgia Industrial Children's Home. 4690 N Mumford Rd., Macon, GA 31210. Rooks Funeral Home in Fort Valley is in charge of arrangements.

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind." Matthew 22:37