Frances Wilbanks Hancock

Frances Wilbanks Hancock, 73, of Newberry, SC, passed away on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. She was born and raised in Whitmire, SC. She was the daughter of the late Eugene and Hazeline Elsmore Wilbanks.

As a child, she loved to play basketball and was a majorette. Through the years, she also enjoyed dancing and riding motorcycles with her husband. She graduated from Whitmire High School in 1968. With a passion to help and care for others, Frances was a former member of the Rescue Squad Station 14 as an EMT. Her past employers were Kiswire and Louis Rich. She was also widely known as the “neighborhood mom and grandma.” One of her biggest roles was loving and taking care of her family, friends, and anyone she came across. 

Frances is survived by her husband, Ezell Hancock; two children, Richard (Michelle) Hancock and Gail (James) Sligh; three grandchildren, Amber (Curtis) Kitchens, Christian (Joseph) Hancock, and Elizabeth Sligh; two great-grandchildren, Damien Kitchens and Owen Kitchens; sisters, Judy Taylor and Myra (Fred E.) Harmon; brother and sister-in-laws, Allen (Susan) Hancock and Stacey Hancock; nieces and nephews, Donna Shelton, Eric (Angel) Harmon, Connie Johnson, Stacy Renee’Mills, Brandon (Hayley) Hancock, Matt (Brandy) Hancock, Ethan (Gina Long) Hancock, Carrie (Jonathan) Sexton, Jason (Haley) Wicker; along with numerous great-nieces and nephews.

Frances was predeceased by mother and father-in-law, Melvin and Betty Hancock, as well as brother-in-laws, Don Taylor, Jimmy Hancock, Jerry Hancock, and Tate Hancock. 

A private celebration will be held at a later time to honor Frances’ life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the Newberry County Rescue Squad. Alzheimer’s Association Donation Link: https://www.alz.org/sc 

The South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Family and friends may sign the online guest book by clicking on the “Tribute Wall” tab above.