Judith Hancock

Judith Elaine Potter Hancock, oldest child of William Thornton Potter and Thelma Lenore Mills Potter, was born August 3, 1942, in Wichita, Kansas. She entered eternal rest on September 11, 2024.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 US Highway 277 South, Abilene, Texas. Visitation will be September 27, Friday, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., at Elmwood Funeral Home. The funeral service will be September 28, Saturday, 10:00 a.m., at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, 701 S. Pioneer Drive, Abilene. The committal service will follow the funeral service at the Elmwood Cemetery.

At the age of one, Judith moved with her family to a farm southeast of Beaver, Beaver County, Oklahoma. A sister, Nancy Lee, had joined the family on July 2, 1943. A brother, William Thornton Potter II, arrived on September 17, 1945.

Judith began her school years in 1948 at Beaver Grade School with forty-one other first-grade classmates taught by one teacher. Judy took piano lessons and became an accomplished pianist for choral groups and individuals. She also participated in band, playing the alto saxophone. In 1960 Judy graduated from Beaver High School as valedictorian of her class.

During her years at home, Judy attended First Baptist Church of Beaver. She became a Christian and was baptized in 1950. Judy had also taken organ lessons and served as church organist during her high school years.

After graduation, Judy went to Shawnee, Oklahoma where she enrolled in Oklahoma Baptist University. She achieved membership in various honor groups, such as Alpha Lamba Delta, Zeta Chi, and later Mortar Board. Her major fields of study were elementary education and history. She met Omer (Butch) James Hancock, Jr. at OBU. Both graduated in May, 1964. They married on campus August 1, 1964, in the restored Stubblefield Chapel.

The couple moved to Fort Worth, Texas, where Judy taught fourth-grade in the Fort Worth Public Schools for five years. Omer entered Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary to study for the ministry. Judy pursued a masters degree at Texas Christian University, graduating in the summer of 1967. Omer earned his doctorate from SWBTS in 1974.

Judy and Omer lived in Guymon, Oklahoma (1970-1975) and Edmond, Oklahoma (1976-1981) where he served as pastor. In 1981 they moved to Abilene, Texas where Dr. Hancock joined the theology faculty of Hardin-Simmons University. Judy resumed a career in teaching when Abilene ISD hired her to teach fourth grade at Austin Elementary School in 1982. When new schools opened in 1992, Judy was assigned to Allie Ward Elementary where she taught fourth and fifth grade for fifteen years. She retired in 2007, having enjoyed teaching students for thirty years.

In retirement Judy volunteered as a docent at the NCCIL (National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature). She was a member of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church where she taught the Lydia Sunday School class, served on the bereavement team, and helped with GriefShare. She also was a member of the HSU Round Table.

Four children were born to Judy and Omer--Kira Laine (1968), Kyle Logan (1970), Kirsten Leigh (1975), and Kirk William (1978).

Preceding her in death were:

W. Thornton and Thelma Potter, parents

W. T. and Stella Potter, grandparents

Richard Dial and Myrtle Mills, grandparents

Omer James, Sr. and Florence Hancock, in-laws

Nancy Potter Hawk, sister

Sonya (Hancock) Coker, sister-in-law

Judy is survived by:

Omer James Hancock, Jr.

Kira and Col. Kyle Ingham

Kyle L. Hancock

Rev. Kirsten L. Hancock

Kirk W. Hancock

Grandchildren: Capt. Austin Ingham, Hannah (Ingham) Evans and husband, Lt. Chase, Houston Ingham, and William Hancock

William (Bill) T. Potter II, brother, and wife, Carolyn

Larry Hawk, brother-in-law, and wife Connie

Jim Coker, brother-in-law, and wife, Pat

Nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends

Special appreciation is expressed to Dr. Padma L. Draksharam for her professional care and compassion, and for Nurse Sandra. Thanks to Dr. Jamie Willits for her alert attention and prompt referral concerning a medical need. Appreciation also is extended to the Hendrick Infusion Center, the physicians, nurses and aides in Hendrick Medical Center for their personal care, and to the compassionate staff at Hendrick Hospice Care. Thanks to Dr. Scott Wofford, D. C., and his attentive care for years. Sincere gratitude is expressed to the staff of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church for their ministry to Judy and family. Thanks to the Lydia Sunday School class for their love and support. Thank you to all who sent cards, emails, text messages, prayed, and encouraged Judy.

Memorials may be made to "Next 70" at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, 701 South Pioneer Drive, Abilene, TX 79605, or to the charity of your choice.