Joseph Otha Hancock Sr.

Joseph Otha Hancock Sr., 97, of Roanoke, Va., one of three siblings, was born to the late Jessie and Cora Hancock on March 1, 1913, in Roanoke, Va. and responded to God's call on July 12, 2010. He was a product of the Roanoke School system. He served in the United States Army during World War II, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant, serving in Northern France, Germany, England and Central Europe. He was a member of the Loudon Avenue Christian Church to which he was deeply devoted. He served on the Senior Usher Board and was a chef at many functions. He demonstrated his love for others by volunteering to help others in need. He was married to Frances E. Hancock who passed before him. He is survived by one daughter, Martha A. Williams (Eugene), Milford, Conn.; two sons, E.L. Hancock (Diana), Monroe, Wash., and Joseph O. Hancock, Roanoke, Va.; one god given daughter, Thelma Brown, Los Angeles, Calif.; five grandchildren, Tuesday M. Stoffers (John), Eric Williams (Terina), Nicole Civitella (Dean), Brandon Williams, Kyle Hancock Walton, Joseph O. Hancock III; three great-grandchildren; three nieces, Maxine Wilson, Juaneva Walker and Marilyn Walker; the Loudon Avenue Christian Church Minister and family members. One granddaughter, ShaNel A. Hancock, passed before. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 17, 2010, at Loudon Ave. Christian Church with the Rev. William Lee officiating. Interment will follow in Sherwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Friday 7 to 8 p.m. at Serenity Funeral Home. Friends may call at Serenity Friday from noon to 8 p.m. for viewing. In lieu of flowers, make donations to Loudon Ave. Scholarship Fund. Arrangements by Serenity Funeral Home and Cremation Services, www.serenityfuneralhome.net.