Jean D Hancock

Jean Durrance Hancock, 95, died September 3, 2024. She was born in Hardee County, Florida, on April 16, 1929, the fourth of five children of Nell (Smith) and Dow G. Durrance. She attended elementary schools in Lemon Grove and Popash before graduating from Hardee High School in 1946. While in high school, she went to work for Wilbur Whitehurst, Esq., thus beginning her lifelong career as a legal secretary. She married Jonathan “Jack” Hancock in 1950. They built a home on Lakeview Drive in Sebring and never left, except for a two-year period during which Jean supported the family while Jack attended law school at the University of Florida. Upon Jack’s graduation, they returned to Sebring and Jean taught him how to practice law (Jack’s words). 

 Jean was active in First Baptist Church of Sebring, where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and served on a multitude of committees. She also participated in Woodlawn PTA, Readers Club, Friends of the Library, several bridge groups, and she served on the Sebring Airport Authority, among other civic and charitable activities. 

 She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and her beloved siblings, Milton D. “Tiny” Durrance, Faye Shackelford, Noveta Beeson, and Willard Durrance. Jean is survived by her children, Susanne Clemons (Pete, deceased), Janie Hancock (Don Appelquist) and J. Ned Hancock (Tammy), grandchildren Andy Joughin, Charlie Joughin (Chad Griffin), Marti Hancock (Andy Ganger), Alison Hancock (Ryan Grant), and Savannah Hancock, and great granddaughters Clara Hancock Simon and Malia Ganger. She is also survived by nieces, nephews and cousins, all of whom she treasured.

 The family owes a debt of gratitude to the wonderful caregivers who loved and cared for Jean and allowed her to be at home until the end: Candace Reece, Mirna French, Mabalene Mariner Bermudez, Nicole Stephens, Kiara Gwinn, Courtney Rhodes, Raimunda Johnson, Debra Duffus and Sherry Moses. The family also wishes to acknowledge the care and compassion provided by the Violet Team of Good Shepherd Hospice. 

 Visitation will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 a.m., at First Baptist Church of Sebring. .

 The family suggests donations in Jean’s memory to Good Shepherd Hospice, 1110 Hammock Drive, Sebring, FL 33870, chaptershealth.org; New Testament Mission, 604 Lemon Ave., Sebring, FL 33870, ntcmissionsebring.org.; or First Baptist Church of Sebring, 200 E. Center Ave., Sebring, FL 33870, fbsebring.com. 

 Arrangements entrusted to Morris Funeral Chapel.