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Merilyn Maxine Hancock
June 23, 1947 - January 17, 2023

Merilyn Maxine Hancock of Jonesboro, Arkansas, passed away at her home on January 17, 2023. She was born on June 23, 1947, in Jacksonville, Illinois, to Fred Heinige and Jeanette (Smith) Heinige. She graduated from Winchester High School of Winchester, Illinois, in 1965 and completed courses from the Art Institute of America. On December 3, 1966, she married John G. Hancock. Merilyn was a long-time member of the congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses, being baptized as such on August 23, 1961. Along with her husband of 56 years, Merilyn is survived by her children: Sabrina Himschoot (Todd), Adrian Hancock (Lisa), Sonja Pepper (David), Sacha Wilson (Robert), Tabitha Lomax (Nathan), and Heather Buckholtz (Scott); grandchildren: Shelby Stein (Greg), Tyler Hancock (Kristin), Miranda Duke (Cody), Brinden Seth Lomax, and Phoebe Pepper; sister: Mary Ann Manning (Howard); nephews: Matthew Manning (Eugenia) and Nathan Manning (Samantha); and countless spiritual friends who have become her adopted brothers, sisters, and children. In addition to her parents, Merilyn was preceded in death by a grandson, Anthony Pepper. Of her many hobbies, art and sewing were Merilyn's prominent talents. But her greatest love was teaching many people about her loving heavenly Father and his promises of hope from the Bible. Merilyn was a devoted wife, mother and friend, and her love for God, life and neighbor will be remembered always. A memorial service will be on January 28, 2023 at 1:00 pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, located at 5618 Summer Place, Jonesboro, Arkansas.

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  1. Alicia, FORT WAYNE says

    What i remember most was how kind and Patient she was with me. When Sonja was raising the kids and moving frequently, i would get a desire to know what she was up to and where she was. The only way i could keep up was to call Merilyn and ask her. This was probably one a year or so. She never made me feel bad for calling and gave me the info she could. I'm sure she dreaded hearing my voice, but she was always kind. Also, at Peppers 25th anniversary, i sat beside her and we talked. I felt like she genuinely cared about me. I look forward to seeing her again one day very soon.

  2. Gary & Pam Shipley , Fredericktown, MO says

    Merilyn was such a sweet loving sister who brought such joy to all our lives. She will be remembered with love always. We look forward to the fulfillment of Revelation 21:3,4 when death will be no more or your tears. We love you ???????

  3. Missy & Gary Priester , Fredericktown, MO says

    Dearest Hancock family, I spent so much time in your house growing up and your mom was a big influence on my life. She taught me love and loyalty and I will always be grateful. We look forward to seeing her again very soon. You are all in our hearts and our prayers ????

  4. Brenda & Lyle Henneke, New Athens, IL says

    She will truly be missed. Can just picture her being young & beautiful again in the new world. Our hearts go out to the family & we are praying for strength for all of you. ????????????

  5. Michelle Shook , Jonesboro Ar says

    We only met in person twice both times touched me in a special way without her ever speaking a word her eyes said it all for her. She is such an encouragement to me that living life by Jehovah's Standards will reap a great harvest as all of her children belong to Jehovah I know the days of this dear sister's life included many prayers to Jehovah and she will not be forgotten. Looking forward to seeing her in the new world where we can have a conversation.

  6. Yamaya Sanders , Jonesboro,Ar says

    I will never forget meeting the Hancock family. Tabi and I were close and Sis.Hancock always treated me with love as if I were hers. Jehovah’s promises are real and true. No more suffering and the next time we see her it will last forever. My true love and encouragement goes out to Bro. Hancock and the whole family

  7. Vernelle McElfresh, Honolulu, HI says

    My deepest sympathy and condolences to your family. Merilyn was very friendly and hospitable to our family when we were in the Bowling Green Congregation. May Jehovah give you comfort and inner peace during this difficult time while you focus on the hope. With agape.

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