'Alta Jewell (Massengale) Hancock was born October 20, 1928 and departed this earth on November 16, 2017 at the Berea Health \u0026 Rehabilitation Center in Berea, Kentucky. She departed peacefully in her sleep.
Mom was the youngest daughter of the late Jack and Elizabeth (Neal) Massengale, and grew up in the Buncombe and Jennings Hollow areas of Wayne County as a child and a young girl. Alta met the love of her life in her teen years. Claude Dexter Hancock was from the Powersburg community. They dated more than a year before being joined in holy matrimony August, 17, 1946.
Alta and Dexter have four living children: Donald Ray (the late Ellen) of Shirley, IN., Sharon Faye Patton (Ben) of Berea, KY., Larry Joe (Monticello, KY.) and Claudie Michael (Carol) of Eubank, KY. Phillip Kay was born and passed on April 25, 1950.
She is survived by one sister Lucille (Randolph) Kennedy of Spiceland, IN. and one brother Jean (Natalie) Massengale of Denton, TX.
Claude Dexter preceded her in death on November 7, 1999. She was also preceded in death by her sisters Pearl (Bertram) and Bessie Brown, brothers Henry, Bruce, Eddie and J.W. and infant brothers Tim, Odie, and Odell Massengale.
Alta leaves ten grandchildren: Scottie Ray Hancock, Shanna Renae Janes, Kellie Joe (Eric) Atwell, Claudia Gayle Patton, Joe David (Melissa) Hancock, Martha (Asheen) Searight, Donna (Bryan) Hoskins, John Dexter (Ashley) Hancock, Jared Hancock and Laura Hancock. There are also thirteen living greatgrandchildren and one deceased greatgrandchild.
There are also many cousins, nephews, nieces and friends who will miss her.
Mom attended Keens Chapel United Methodist Church at Hidalgo, KY as long as her health allowed. The church was an important part of her life, and she loved working in flowers and made arrangement for her church from flowers in her garden as long as her health permitted.
Mom loved to quilt, draw, work in her garden and prepare meals for anyone, whether farm worker, neighbor or family, who put their feet under her table. Everyone was welcome. She could make a delicious meal out of seemingly nothing. Fresh fruit and vegetables were her favorites. Mom had many cats over the years, all of which were named Hanna.
Saint Jude's Children's Hospital was always dear to mom's heart. The family requests any expressions of sympathy be sent to Saint Jude's Children's Hospital in Lexington, KY. No flowers please.
We want to express our gratitude to Berea Health and Rehabilitation in Berea, KY. which welcomed our mother, loved her, and treated her like family during the last months of her life. We would also like to thank Hoyt Hickey and Son Funeral Home, specifically Glen Hickey - Director. Finally, a special thanks to the church family at Keens Chapel for the lovely meal they will be serving after the interment.
The many cards, letters, visits and gifts are greatly appreciated by her family.
Ray, Sharon, Joe and Mike - Alta Hancock's family.',