Jean Marie Hancock (Henderson)

Jean Marie Henderson Hancock died August 19, 2019 in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Born in Independence, Missouri, in 1926, she attended Northeast High School and graduated as the class valedictorian. After high school she attended Park College and subsequently graduated from the University of Missouri at Columbia with a bachelor’s degree in education. She met the love of her life in grade school and married Albert Hancock when he returned from service in the US Navy after World War II. They embarked on a life together filled with the activities they both loved, which included boating, sailing, fishing, entertaining friends, picnicking and exploring new places across the country, often with a boat in tow. After college, Jean taught kindergarten in Independence, Missouri until she and Al started a family. They had three children, Mary, Bill and Kathy, and were early residents of Golden Acres in Independence where Jean joined the Junior Service League. They later moved to Lakewood in Lee’s Summit. Jean was a talented writer, seamstress and crafts person, fearless about tackling a new project, including repairing sails and making custom boat covers and cushions when the need arose. She missed her life partner terribly, losing Al in 2008. She leaves daughter Mary Kay Toles (Ron Toles) of Lee’s Summit and step grandchildren Brennan Toles of Merriam, Kansas and Alexandria Toles of Blue Springs, Missouri; son William Hancock (Melissa Hancock) of Oklahoma City, two grandchildren, Gina Hancock (Thomas Ingram) of Irving, Texas and Nick Hancock (Ruth Hancock) of Edmond, Oklahoma as well as two great granddaughters, Emma and Ellie Hancock; and daughter Kathy Hancock (Bill Beresford) of Carefree, Arizona; and her little dog, Jackie, who kept her wonderful company in the years since Al’s death and has a new home with Mary Kay. There will be a private family memorial service. In lieu of flowers, consider making a contribution to The Research Foundation Albert Hancock Memorial Scholarship (Kansas City, MO) or a local animal rescue in Jean's name.