Gwendolyn Reid Hancock

Gwendolyn Reid Hancock, 86, a resident of Buncombe, IL, passed away Thursday evening, December 2, 2010, at 8:37 PM at Hillview Health Care Center in Vienna. Gwendolyn was born December 14, 1923 in Williamson County Illinois. She was the daughter of Sherman Tanner and Leila (Smith) Tanner. Gwendolyn was united in marriage to Granville Jones in 1942 in Montana. She was later united in marriage to Burnis L. Reid on October 21, 1949 in Blytheville, Arkansas. He preceded her in death on March 21, 1979. Gwendolyn was then united in marriage to William T. "Jim" Hancock on March 9, 1984 in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He preceded her in death on March 16, 2005. Survivors include: Her Children - Philip & Kay Jones of Goreville, IL Melba & Joe Cates of Chattanooga, TN Doug & Linda Reid of Buncombe, IL Ruth & Gregory Craig of Vienna, IL 13 Grandchildren - Ashley & Scott Jordan, Keesha & Brent Schuetz, Lacey & Gary Ladner, Bethany & Sam Hite, Daniel & Christine Cates, Andrew & Heather Cates, Jesse & Kristen Cates, Elizabeth & Jeff Johnson, Brandon & Kristen Reid, Thomas & Krissy Reid, Travis & Tabby Williams, Justin & Amber Williams, Jill & Josh Conner 18 Great Grandchildren - Noah, Zane, Rhet & Cade Schuetz, Ariel Jordan, Lane Cates, Genna Pease, Taylor Pease, Liam Cates, Alexandra Cates, Eden Cates, Matthew & Nicholas Johnson, Trinity Kletzing, Madison Williams, Tristin Leggett, Tanner Williams, and Crosby Conner a Sister - LaMoya Montgomery of Marion, IL Several Nieces and Nephews Gwendolyn was also anticipating the birth of 3 additional Great Grandchildren in 2011: Ethan Roger Williams, Alaina Faith Johnson, & Carson Douglas Reid. In addition to her Parents and Husbands, Gwendolyn was preceded in death by a Son-in-Law - Roger Williams. Gwendolyn worked during World War II in the manufacturing of ammunition and ordnance. She was later employed by Sangamo Electric Co. in Herrin, IL. Gwendolyn worked as a personal care provider at the Manteno State Hospital. She served as a cook for many years at the Buncombe Grade School, prior to her retirement. Gwendolyn served for several years as the Buncombe village clerk. Gwendolyn was a dedicated homemaker, wife and mother. She fulfilled the Titus 2 and Proverbs 31 commandments of providing for the elderly and dying family members; including preparing delicious food and providing live in care. She also cooked many meals for family and friends who frequented her household and was well known for her chicken and dumplings. She also enjoyed providing for her family and devoted many hours to gardening, canning, quilting and creating handmade apparel. Gwendolyn was a talented seamstress and sewed not only for herself, but for her growing family as well. She used her sewing skills to create not only every day wear, but also formals, wedding dresses, and tailored clothing. Gwendolyn also loved to cook for her family. She is remembered for preparing many unique and tasty dishes, which she always insisted had to have a creative name. Gwendolyn was baptized at the age of 10 in Sugar Creek near Creal Springs, IL. she later affiliated with the Buncombe Methodist Church, the West Vienna Methodist Church, and later attended the Cedar Grove Church along with her husband Jim. In recent years, as her health declined, Gwendolyn attended church with her children when her health permitted her to do so. Gwendolyn was instrumental in a number of the improvements which have been made over the years to the Cedar Grove Cemetery. She was also a member of the Goreville Chapter # 1009 Order of the Eastern Star. Gwendolyn had a zest and love for life and people. As a youth she enjoyed jump rope and roller skating and even roller-skated the entire distance from Creal Springs to Marion on numerous occasions. In her 70s, Gwendolyn decided to learn to play the piano and began taking lessons with her granddaughter Jill, who was then 5 years old. Funeral services will be conducted Sunday afternoon, December 5, 2010, at 2 PM at the Vienna First Baptist Church. Brother Donald Campbell will officiate. Burial will be in the Cedar Grove Cemetery near Buncombe. Friends may call from 4 PM - 8 PM Saturday at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna and from 1 PM - 2 PM Sunday at the church. Memorials may be made to the Cedar Grove Cemetery Fund, c/o Doug Reid, 6920 Buncombe Road, Buncombe, IL 62912.

Gwendolyn Reid Hancock

December 14, 1923 - December 2, 2010