Vera Hancock

Vera Lorraine Firestone Hancock, 95, daughter of Leland Delmas Firestone and Eva Mae (Nickels) Firestone and beloved schoolteacher and pillar of the Dalhart, Texas community, passed away on October 1, 2025, in Dalhart, Texas. Born on February 9, 1930, in the same town she cherished throughout her life, Vera devoted her heart and soul to education and family, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Lincoln Street Baptist Church with Brother Ty Hancock officiating. Interment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 5:00pm until 7:00pm on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Dalhart Funeral Home. Arrangements are entrusted to Dalhart Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

For 29 years, Vera shared her passion for learning with her students in Dalhart, influencing generations with her unwavering dedication and compassionate spirit. A proud graduate of Dalhart High School, she pursued her dreams by earning a bachelor's degree in education, which laid the foundation for a career that would touch countless lives. Vera was not only a teacher but also a mentor, often holding prayer in her classroom and sharing the message of Christ with everyone she met. In addition to her educational career, Vera had many hobbies and interests. She loved to sing and play the piano, filling her home with music and joy. An avid reader, Vera often enjoyed the quiet time of indulging in a good book. Vera looked forward to hosting friends for a meal, games, and a Hallmark movie, creating memories that would last her lifetime. After moving to The Legacy, her favorite day was Saturday afternoon playing dominoes with friends and family.

Vera's strength was rooted in her deep faith, and she found solace and community as a member of the Lincoln Street Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School for many years and had the privilege of seeing many of her grandchildren come to know the Lord. She was a strong woman of faith who exemplified the virtues of love, patience, and kindness. Her commitment to homeschooling her grandchildren showcased her devotion to family and her desire to instill the values that mattered most to her.

Her life was marked by beautiful relationships. She was married to John Andrew Hancock Jr. for an extraordinary 55 years, relishing every moment they spent together and raising a family filled with love. Vera was a dedicated mother to her children: Sheryl Hall and spouse Gary of Dalhart, Texas; Celle Hancock, daughter-in-law of Dalhart, Texas; Gary Hancock and spouse Eva of Dalhart, Texas; Nikki Frederick and spouse Keith of Indian Harbour Beach, Florida; and Kitty Sanford and spouse Tom of Magnolia, Texas. Her nurturing nature extended to being a proud grandmother, cherishing the special moments she created with her 15 grandchildren, 9 great grand-children and 1 great great grand-child.

Vera also leaves behind her dear sister, Linda Greenstreet of Dalhart, Texas; her sister-in-law, LeGene Firestone of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and her nieces and nephews who will remember her warmth and strength. Her love and kindness was extended further to her beloved family at The Legacy, who will all miss her dearly.

She is now reunited with those who have gone before her, including her loving husband, John Andrew Hancock Jr., their son, John "Rusty" Hancock, and her parents, Leland Delmas Firestone and Eva Mae Firestone. Vera also joins her brother, Lee Firestone, her sister, Bonnie Layman, and her daughter-in-law, Rhonda Hamilton Hancock.

Vera Hancock leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and commitment to education that will continue to inspire generations to come. Her memory will forever hold a special place in the hearts of her family, friends, and the community she served so selflessly. Her welcoming presence, faith-driven conversations, and genuine spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial donations be made to Lincoln Street Baptist Church Food Pantry, P.O. Box 669, Dalhart, Tx 79022, or Memorial Hospice, 210 E. Texas Blvd., Dalhart, Tx 79022.