Mary Hancock Merriman

To join the livestream of Mary's funeral service, please select the link below. The livestream broadcast will begin at 1:55 P.M. Saturday, September 27, 2025. The service will be archived for 90 days following the funeral service for later viewing. https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc1ODU1MDAzNjM4MTQ4MyZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw== Mary Hancock Merriman, age 94 years, a resident of Goreville, Illinois, passed away peacefully Friday morning, September 19, 2025, at 8:42 A.M. at Hillview Senior Living and Rehabilitation in Vienna. Mary was born March 31, 1931 in Athens, Alabama. She was the daughter of Reuban “R.T.” and Bessie Marie (Roberts) Carter. On November 15, 1946, Mary was united in marriage to Jack W. Hancock in Marked Tree, Arkansas. He preceded her in death on February 12, 1986. Mary was later united in marriage to Truman Merriman, Jr. in Paducah, Kentucky on December 5, 1989. He preceded her in death on April 1, 2012. Mary is survived by: her children – David (Donna) Hancock of Marion, Illinois, Danny Joe (Lois) Hancock, Robbie (Connie) Hancock, and Bill (Helen) Hancock all of Goreville, Illinois, Sherri Hancock of Paducah, Kentucky, Cathy (Todd) Skogley) of Greenville, Illinois, Tracy Gum of Goreville, Illinois and Stacy Stephens of Chicago, Illinois; a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; a sister – Bessie Lou (Jimmy) McKenzie of Bremen, Indiana; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to her parents and husbands, Mary was preceded in death by: 2 sons – Ronnie Hancock and James Hancock; 5 grandchildren; a sister – Frances Stacey; and 7 brothers – Bob Carter, Bill Carter, Wayne Carter, Chuck Carter, Bernice Carter, Wade “Pete” Carter, and Jimmy Carter (who was killed in action during the Battle of the Bulge while serving in the military in World War II). Mary attended extension courses at V.C.C. in cosmetology which were offered through Southeastern Illinois College. She operated Mary’s Beauty Salon in Goreville for over 30 years. Mary was also a dedicated homemaker, wife, and mother. She enjoyed both vegetable and flower gardening, as well as sewing. She also had taken courses in pottery. Mary spent many happy hours fishing. She was a member of the First Pentecostal Church in Goreville. A service honoring the life of Mary Hancock Merriman will be conducted Saturday afternoon, September 27, 2025, at 2 P.M. at the First Pentecostal Church, 915 North Broadway, Goreville, Illinois. Pastor Kevin Cox and Pastor George Bankston will officiate. Burial will be in the Cana Cemetery, north of Goreville, Illinois. Visitation will be held Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 12 Noon until the funeral hour at 2 P.M. at the First Pentecostal Church in Goreville. Memorials may be made to the First Pentecostal Church, P.O. Box 355, Goreville, Illinois 62939. Contribution envelopes will be available and donations may be left at the church.

Mary Hancock Merriman

March 31, 1931 - September 19, 2025