Martha Martin Hancock

FORT MEADE - Martha Martin Hancock, 97, passed away Sunday, January 28, 2024 in Fort Meade, FL.   Many knew her as Aunt Martha, some as "Mother" and a few were lucky enough to call her Meme or Honey, but for most, she was known as a friend.  

          Martha was born in Enterprise, AL on October 8, 1926 to Ezekiel L. Martin and Ida Grace Martin.  She moved to Fort Meade in her late teens and met the love of her life, John D. Hancock, Jr.  They were married on December 9, 1944, and had 51 blessed years together.  

         Martha was known for her love of cooking, gardening, and her morning Coffee Club.  Her southern hospitality and giving spirit are what she is remembered for most.  If you met her once, you were her friend for life.  

      She  was a member of the Fort Meade Garden Club, Fort Meade Historical. Society, Order of Eastern Stars #47, Rainbow Girls, a longtime Fort Meade Band Booster, former Girl Scout leader, and Youth Fair Cake judge.  On her 90th birthday, her nieces and nephews  gave her a surprise birthday party where she was given a Key to the City of Fort Meade and the City proclaimed October 8th as "Martha Hancock Day."  During her lifetime, she touched the lives of many through her kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith.  She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing her.  

         Martha was preceded in death by her parents; s husband, John D. Hancock, Jr.; and her grandson, Robert Hancock, Sr.  She is survived by her son, Terry M. Hancock, Sr. and wife Susan; daughter, Sherry Hancock Wyser and husband Joe, all of Fort Meade, FL; grandchildren, Wendy Wyser Schipp, Amy Wyser Gargus and husband Daryl, Terry M. Hancock, Jr. and wife Jenna; great-grandchildren, Anthony Roberts, John Gargus, Alexis Gargus, Berlyn Schipp, Ashlyn Schipp, Robert Hancock, Jr., Jaden Hancock, John Hancock, Jackson Hancock, and Lyla Hancock; on great-great-grandchild, Robert Hancock, III.

      The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00 a.m., Thursday, February 1, 2024 at the First Baptist Church, 307 E. Broadway, Fort Meade.  Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the church sanctuary with Pastor Kenny Slay and Ronnie Mincey officiating.  Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Fort Meade.

        In lieu of flowers, those wishing, may make donations to the Florida Baptist Children's Homes, P.O. Box 8190, Lakeland, FL 33802 or to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, 307 E. Broadway, Fort Meade, FL 33841.

Hancock Funeral Home, Fort Meade, FL.  863-285-8171