Thelma L. Hancock

Obituary Thelma Louise Campbell Hancock passed away quietly and peacefully on Tuesday, 6 September 2022, at The Gardens of Pamlico after an extended illness. She had been a patient for 10 months, having given every ounce of her strength in courageously battling dementia. Although she had lost most of her precious memories, she continued to know and recognize her daughter, Tiffany, until her very last days. Funeral services will be held on Friday, 9 September 2022 at 2:00 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Harkers Island, with President Kevin M. Nelson of the Morehead City Stake Presidency presiding and conducted by Bro. Vaughn Guthrie of the Harkers Island Ward Bishopric. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Friday. Thelma was born 17 May 1936 to Joseph Foskett Campbell and Dollie Gladys Wooten, in Columbia, Kentucky. She was the third of four children born to this family. She grew up in a loving home, but when she was only 14, her father died, and then only two years later at the age of 16, her mother died and she became the caretaker for her sister Doris Jean, who was only 6 years old at the time of her mothers death. Thelma lived with her grandmother Eva Stotts Wooten as she continued to help raise her sister and two brothers, Virgil Davis Campbell, and Dennis Ray Campbell. Doris Jean later moved to Harkers Island and lived beside her sister Thelma until her death in 2001. Thelma met her eternal sweetheart, Tommy Wayne Hancock, while he was stationed on the Ohio River in Louisville, Kentucky with the United States Coast Guard. They married on 21 November 1958. Thelma would follow Tommy for the next quarter century from assignment to assignment, often doing the heavy work of securing their living quarters in each new location before they finally were able to settle back at Harkers Island as Tommy approached retirement. Tommy and Thelma were later sealed for time and for all eternity in the Provo Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 12 July 1973. They were blessed with five children, Tommy Wayne Jr., Terry Lane, twins Tony and Tracy who were stillborn, and Tiffany Elaina. Thelma was always one of the first helpers on the scene when she knew of a need. Many days she would deliver a wonderful home cooked meal or a special dessert to someone she was able to serve. She was loved by all who knew her, and she was usually the one to bring a smile to the face of someone she knew was hurting and, in her path, to help. She also loved being the "Avon" lady for her friends and neighbors, always passing out lipstick samples or bottles of "Skin So Soft." Thelma began experiencing the first signs of dementia about 11 years ago. She was heartbroken as she realized her memories were being robbed from her. She often found comfort in telling stories of her youth and the early years of her childrens lives. These were the last of her memories to vanquish, and even in her last weeks, Thelma could join in singing one of her favorite songs, "You are My Sunshine." Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Dollie Campbell, her husband Tommy Wayne Hancock, her brothers Dennis Ray and Virgil Davis Campbell, her sister Doris Jean Campbell, her grandson Joshua and granddaughter Taylor. She is survived by her sons Tommy Wayne Jr. and wife Cynthia, Terry and wife Katrina, and daughter Tiffany and husband Allen Nelson. Also surviving are grandsons Layne, Jonathan, Tyler, Garrett, and Tommy Warren, as well as four great-grandchildren, Tyler, Elijah, Neena, and Alisanne, along with many nieces and nephews. The family is thankful for the loving care provided for Thelma throughout this last year by the staff of The Gardens of Pamlico. They have shown great compassion and tender care and we are forever grateful for their service. Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noefs.net Arrangements by Noe Funeral Service, Inc. of Beaufort, NC. Services Funeral Service Friday September 9, 2022 2:00 PM The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1007 Island Rd Harkers Island, NC 28531