Brenda Joyce Hancock

Brenda McElhenney Hancock, 60, passed away on July 30th, 2024, at Ochsner Rush Medical Center in Meridian, MS, holding the hands of her children with her family by her side. 

Services will take place at Wolf Funeral Home in Morton, Ms on Saturday, August 17th,2024. The family will meet at 12:30. Visitation is from 1pm to 1:45pm with services to follow at 2pm. There will be a short and informal graveside with the immediate family at Bethel Baptist Church in Pulaski, MS.

Brenda is proceeded in death by her father, 1st Sergeant Clinton McElhenney. She is survived by her husband, Anthony; her mother, Edna; her brothers, Kenneth (Kathryn) and Jarvis (Paula); her son, Aieron (Danielle); her daughter, Victoria (Sethe); her granddaughter, Kaydence; and a multitude of cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

Brenda was born in Virginia Beach, Virginia on October 15, 1963 to 1st Sergeant Clinton McElhenney and Edna (Higginbotham). She was married to Blake Anthony Hancock for 6 years and they resided in the small community of Homewood, MS. She was the mother of two children, Aieron and Victoria, and grandmother “Nana” to Kaydence. Her family and faith were the center of her world. She was a deeply devoted wife, mother, Nana, and follower of Christ. Whether she was organizing family gatherings, offering a listening ear, or being a steady source of support, she always put her family's needs and well-being first. She loved sharing family memories, often reminiscing about life and growing up with “Mama” and “Daddy” (Edna and Mac), and brothers (Kenny and Jarvis) near the United States Marine Corps base of Camp Lejune. She also had a great love for her cousins and childhood friends, often telling great stories of their days spending hours jumping from the hayloft and creating tunnels through the hay in her Uncle Drexel’s barn while being very careful not getting caught doing so, among various other childhood adventures. 

Brenda was a woman whose presence felt like a warm hug—always inviting and comforting. Her demeanor was consistently sweet, uplifting, and encouraging to everyone around her. Her compassion shone through in the many tributes shared by her friends and family after her passing. Brenda’s deep love and devotion to the Lord were evident in how she spoke about her faith, and she lived her beliefs through her everyday actions. She strongly believed in not just praying for others but also in being the hands and feet of Christ, offering help whenever she could.

Her compassion extended far beyond her family. She nurtured with patience and understanding, creating a home filled with warmth and love for anyone who needed it. She was an instant mother to everyone she encountered, with a natural inclination to help those in need, often going out of her way to lend a hand. She dedicated countless hours to volunteering and supporting her children in basketball, band, and cheerleading. Her generosity was heartfelt, and every act of giving was approached with genuine empathy and thoughtfulness. Later in life, one of her greatest passions was assisting her husband, Anthony, and the other first responders and volunteer firefighters of Homewood during rescue calls. Together with her husband and beloved pet, Molly Jane, she developed and filmed her own YouTube channel, “Cooking with the Hancocks,” where she shared recipes, tips, and tricks for life in the South.

In everything she did, her actions reflected her deep commitment to her values, and she will always be remembered for her boundless love and compassion, faith in the Lord, and family devotion.