Willie Mae Hancock

Mrs. Willie Mae Martin-Hancock was born on May 25, 1935, in Montego Bay, Jamaica, to the union of Frank and Ruth Martin. She was raised in Mobile, Alabama, and Memphis, Tennessee. Willie Mae was the youngest of four children and the last surviving; she was preceded in death by her beloved sister, Georgia Mae Martin, and two cherished brothers, Eddie James Martin and David Martin.
She graduated from Hamilton High School in Memphis, Tennessee, and went on to pursue her passion for caring for others by training as a nurse at John Gaston Hospital. At an early age, Willie Mae accepted Christ and worshiped at Greenwood Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee, under the leadership of Reverend C. L. Franklin.
In the late 1950s, she relocated to Chicago, Illinois, seeking to create a better life for her children while continuing her nursing career. Her compassion and dedication led her to serve as a nurse for more than 20 years at St. Anne's Hospital and Mary Thompson Hospital in Chicago. Later in life, she pursued a new interest in cosmetology, graduating from Wilfred Beauty Academy in Oak Park, Illinois, as a licensed cosmetologist. She enjoyed the artistry of hairstyling and sharing her creativity with others.
Willie Mae was the proud mother of nine children and the loving grandmother and great-grandmother to many. In 1986, Willie Mae married Mr. Richard Hancock, who preceded her in death. Following their union, she relocated to Lakeland, Florida, where she embraced life in a senior community, forming close friendships-especially with Mary Crawford-and becoming part of a lively group that gathered daily at McDonald's and Wendy's to socialize.
On August 22, 2025, at Pearl Nursing Home in Hillside, Illinois, and surrounded by loved ones, Willie Mae peacefully gained her wings and went home to her Lord and Savior. She lived a life full of love and laughter. Willie Mae enjoyed fishing, crocheting, and treasured family camping trips. She also found joy in playing bingo and visiting the casino with her dear friend Mary Crawford. Fashion was her forte, and her vibrant style matched her radiant personality. With a smile that could brighten any room, she had an infectious spirit and was unapologetically herself.
She leaves to cherish her memory her nine children: Shirley Ann Grayson (Columbus, Georgia), Mary E. Almand (Snellville, Georgia), Roy Perkins, Jr. (Big Springs, Texas), Ronald Perkins (Lakeland, Florida), Cynthia Perkins-Jackson (Westchester, Illinois), Delania Nevins (Berkeley, Illinois), Stevie Brewster (Melrose Park, Illinois), Andre Brewster (Brandon, Florida), and Chanel Payne (Westchester, Illinois), and three God-children: Mable Johnson, Nathaniel Watkins, and Cassandra Smith-Riley.
Willie Mae is also remembered with love by her many grandchildren, great­grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of extended family and friends whose lives she touched deeply.