Betty Hancock

Date of Death: January 12, 2010

Betty Hancock

Betty Hancock, wife of Dr. William Joseph Hancock, died peacefully at her home on Tuesday morning, January 12, 2010. Her husband and children were with her.

Betty was baptized Faye Irene Ireland, daughter of the late Leonard Arnot and Mattie May Gibson Ireland, but her father wanted to call her Betty Lou, a name that stayed with her for the remainder of her life. A native of Elon College, North Carolina, Betty was born on October 10,1927. After graduating from Lewisburg College in North Carolina, she worked as a bookkeeper and as an insurance underwriter.

In June 1953, Betty married William Hancock, and together they moved to Charlottesville when her husband became a medical student at the University of Virginia. In 1960, Betty and her husband moved to Winchester after Bill joined the medical staff at the Old Winchester Medical Hospital, now the Winchester Medical Center. Betty soon became involved as a hospital volunteer and helped establish the hospital gift shop. She spent many hours volunteering with the hospital Auxiliary and remained a buyer for the gift shop for many years.

Betty’s love was flowers. As a member and past President of the Hawthorn Garden Club, she won many blue ribbons for her flower arrangements. Betty was a “natural” at arranging flowers and seemed to do it effortlessly. At home, her house was always filled with the arrangements she made using fresh and home dried flowers.

Surviving with her husband of 57 years, are her daughters, Corby Pine and her husband, Jonathan, of Baltimore, Maryland, Kym Hedrick and her husband, Bruce, of Roanoke, Virginia; son, Bill Hancock II and his wife, Kathy, of Harrisonburg, Virginia; seven grandchildren; three sisters, Dorothy Fishel of Harrisonburg, Virginia, Elouise Gourley of Elon College, North Carolina, and Sue Ireland of Greensboro, North Carolina. Two brothers, James Ireland and L. A. Ireland, preceded her in death.

A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 PM on Thursday at First Presbyterian Church, with Reverend Dr. Richard Reifsnyder officiating. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Winchester Medical Center Auxiliary, c/o Volunteer office, 1840 Amherst Street, Winchester, Virginia, 22601.

Please sign the guestbook and view obituaries at www.ompsfuneralhome.com

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Betty Hancock Betty Hancock, wife of Dr. William Joseph Hancock, died peacefully at her home on Tuesday morning, January 12, 2010. Her husband and children were with her. Betty was baptized Faye Irene Ireland, daughter of the late Leonard Arnot and Mattie May Gibson Ireland, but her father wanted to call her Betty Lou, aContinue Reading

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Our thoughts and prayers go out to you Kym and the rest of your family. I know heaven is a better place with your Mom in it and that the angels are eating good! We love you... Jan and Gary Kerns

Betty was one of the most gracious and lovely women we have ever had the privilege of knowing. Her kind and gentle way, her beautiful smile, and her love of life made her a joy to us. She will be missed...what a great lady! We extend our deepest sympathy to Bill and family. Daley and Kathy Goff

Mere words can not express the sadness when made aware that my Aunt Bet had passed. My wife Clara, and I, Jimmy Ireland, convey our most sincere condolences to Uncle William, Bill, Corby, and Kim in this time of grief.

Best wishes from the Dr. James F. White, Jr. family. Dad used to speak fondly of the times he and Ma shared with Dr. Bill and Miss Betty during their days at UVa Medical School. We're smiling as we think of all the fun times we shared with y'all at the Medical School reunions. Keep the good memories alive!! God Bless. Mary, Jean, Jim, and Alex White.

Of the many "moms" I had while growing up in Winchester, Mrs. Hancock had to have been the sweetest. Her welcoming smile could brighten my day. I will miss her. My love to Corby, Kym and both Bills.

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

Dear Bill and Family, What fond memories I always carry with me. Betty and I worked together countless hours starting in 1976 with the opening of the Hospital Gift Shop and continuing for the next eleven years. Almost every Monday through Friday would find us working on our chores as buyers for the gift shop. She would run home for lunch with Bill and soon be back for the afternoon. I would leave about 2:30 to be home by the time the school bus brought my four boys home. Besides being in the gift shop we had so much fun going on buying trips or meeting with vendors. We both loved volunteering for the hospital. Happy days...I'll cherish them always. Love and Prayers, Rhoda W Kriz

Dear Dr. Hancock, Kym, Corby and Bill, I am so sorry for the loss of your wife and mother. I know she will be dearly missed. Mrs. Hancock was such a gentle, kind and loving woman. I will always remember her lovely smile, humor, and calm presence. I'll pray for your family. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you. Sending love and with deepest sympathy, Terry Tallman Johnson and family

Bett was such a kind and loving person. I had the pleasure to spend some time with her last summer at the beach and it was great. She will surely be missed by all who knew her. Sonjia Cross

Our sympathy to Dr. Bill and the family in the loss of your dear Betty. May time heal your hearts and leave only the most beautiful of memories. Michael

Kym, Corby, Bill, and Dr. Hancock, We are saddened to hear of the loss of your sweet mother. Take solace in the fact that you all were graced with such a kind, wise, and loving southern jewel for many years. Celebrate her fulfilling life and memory always. We are thinking of ya'll during your time of extreme grief. Prayers. Mike, Tina, Hilary, and Emma Lintz

My family and I would like to express our deepest sympathy to you and your family.Your all in our thoughts and prayers. John D. Funkhouser Sr.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.