Marion Elizabeth Hancock

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me besides the still waters.  He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.  Psalms 23:1-3

Early Saturday morning, September 16, 2023, Marion Elizabeth Gray Hancock, quietly passed away. God saw Mary’s heart and decided to call her home. 

Marion also known as Mary was born the oldest child and only girl to the late Narimo Gray and Annie Victoria Wilson Gray on January 13, 1935 in Norfolk, Virginia.  At an early age, Mary started providing maternal care for all of her brothers.  She was more than the “big sister”. She was always there for her brothers.

Mary received her education in the Norfolk Public School System and was trained and certified as a Nurse’s Aide at Norfolk General Hospital. In 1984, she relocated to Oakland, California where she also worked as a supervisory Nurse’s Aide. She returned to Norfolk in 1994, to assist in the care of her ailing mother. After the passing of her mother, she worked as an in-home daycare assistant at Nana’s In-home Daycare until she retired due to her health.

Mary was a former member of both Saint Mary’s Holy Mount Christian Church and Garrett Community Memorial Baptist Church, both located in Norfolk. She was also a member of Mt Joy Church of God in Christ, Norfolk.

Mary at an early age always had a love for singing. She was an original member of the Golden Triangle Gospel Singers of Norfolk.  She was a member of Saint Mary’s Adult Gospel Choir and a member of Garrett’s Mixed Choir and a church Soloist at Mt Joy. Mary instilled the love of singing in her daughters at an early age.  She used singing as a coping mechanism for family interventions.

Mary loved her family and could always be dependent on to help in any way possible.   Mary will be missed immensely by all who loved and knew her.

Mary was predeceased by both parents, her husband Frank Hancock, brothers, Nehemiah Gray, Vincent Gray, Charles Gray, Marvin Gray and son-in-law, Reginald Hicks.

Mary leaves to cherish her memory, her loving and devoted daughters,  Annette Hicks and Deborah Dixon both of Virginia Beach, VA, granddaughters, Rasheeda Hancock (Patrick) of Pittsburgh, PA, Renee Church (Larry) of Norfolk, VA, two great-grandchildren, Taeveyon and Xavier, one great-great grandchild, Kaiden, a “special nephew”, Zephaniah, “special grandbaby”, Jerminnie,  sister-in-law, Shirley Gray of Chesapeake, VA and a “special niece”, Patricia Ann.   

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