Mary Lou "Mrs. Lou" Hancock

This obituary is being posted as a courtesy to the Phillips and Hancock families who are beloved and long-time residents of Chesterfield. On behalf of the MRC Funeral Home family, we extend our deepest condolences and love to Mrs. Lou's family during this time. For those seeking directions or for online floral orders, please visit www.bladenfuneralhome.com

Mrs. Mary Lou Phillips Hancock went home to be with the Lord on April 12, 2022. She was born in San Diego, California, February 6, 1933, where her dad, Ray Vaughn Phillips, a career Navy man was stationed.

They moved quite often as he was transferred from one duty station to another. When her father retired, they settled in Chesterfield, South Carolina, her mother’s (Sara Bell Redfearn Phillips) hometown. There “Mrs. Lou” (as she was known) was surrounded by a large and loving family. She graduated from Chesterfield High School and went on to Coker College where she graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1955 with a BA in Elementary Education. She had a wonderful college experience being selected as the student body president her senior year.

The summer after graduation, she married the love of her life, Thomas W. Hancock, Jr. Tom joined the Marine Corp and she moved quite a lot. In fact, in 20 years in the Corps, they lived in 21 houses.

They were blessed with three wonderful children Steve, Jim (Polly) and Ann and four outstanding grandchildren Cassie, Cade, Emma, and Hope.

Mrs. Lou enjoyed a long and happy life. She had many special friends with whom she enjoyed spending time. She taught school in Cheraw, South Carolina, when Tom was overseas and again at Camp Lejeune when Tom was stationed there. She was active in the Marine Corps Officer’s Wives’ Club, organizing trips and tours to the White House and Marine Corps Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

When Tom retired, they bought the Western Auto in Elizabethtown, North Carolina, and settled there. She lived there, in the same house, longer that any other in her life. She and Tom had a special 57-year marriage. He loved sports and coaching and she spent many happy hours watching him play and coach. All three children played sports and she enjoyed following their games and careers.

Mrs. Lou loved her church and was an active member of Wesley’s Chapel Church for many years. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends and all who loved her.

A service will be held on Thursday, April 14, 2022 at 2 pm at Wesley’s Chapel Church, 2409 Peanut Plant Rd, Elizabethtown, NC 28337. Visitation will follow the service in the Multipurpose Building from 3-4 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Paralyzed Veterans of America, P.O. Box 919, Welton, OH or the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929