Viola "Joann" (Cunningham) Hancock

Viola "Joann" (Cunningham) Hancock was born on February 4, 1948, in Marion, South Carolina. Surrounded by her loving family, she peacefully transitioned to eternity on October 3, 2022, in Rowlett, Texas.

One of five children born to Thelma Viola Cunningham, Viola was raised by her grandparents, Louise and David Cunningham. She developed a strong worth ethic as young as age 12 and continued to personify excellence throughout her lifetime. She worked very hard all her life and rose from her role as a customer service representative to being appointed as the first African American Marketing Vice President at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. Notably, she was the recipient of numerous awards, including the Blue Cross Blue Shield Commendation of Service Award in 1992, the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas Quality Beacon Award in 1996, and the Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Distinguished Individual Field Service Achievement Award in 2002. After 35 years of exemplary service, Viola retired. 

On October 25, 1970, Viola married the love of her life, Ceaser Alexander Hancock. To their union, two children were loved and nurtured. Together, Ceaser and Viola reared Dana and Cameron to be God-fearing and loving children. The two remained united in holy matrimony until her transition.  

Viola accepted Christ at an early age at Daniel Temple Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. C.J. Washington, Sr. She was baptized on March 15, 1959, at age 11. There, she served on the youth usher board and in the youth choir. She was also a member of Briarchase Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. She later became a longtime, faithful member of New Mount Zion Baptist Church where she served under the leadership of the late Dr. R. E. Price, Sr. and later under the leadership of Dr. Tommy L. Brown. She was a part of the Deaconess Ministry in which she served on the baptism committee, as well as the New Mt. Zion Senior Saints and Outreach Ministries. In 1988, Viola was the recipient of the NMZ Dedicated Service Award. 

Among many hobbies, Viola delighted in reading, growing her plants, and volunteering for charitable efforts. She most enjoyed spending time with her family and supporting her grandchildren in all of their endeavors.  

She will be fondly remembered for her smile, positive energy, devotion, and faithful nature. She had a remarkable love for life and made a difference in the lives of many. Her loving spirit will be missed by all who knew and loved her.  

A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Viola was preceded in death by her mother, Thelma Viola Cunningham; siblings - Ralph Cunningham, Ronald Cunningham, and James Cunningham; and grandparents, Louise and David Cunningham. 

Those left to cherish lasting memories include her loving husband of almost 52 years, Ceaser Alexander Hancock; children, Dana L. Smith and Cameron Hancock and his wife, Kendra; goddaughter, Theresa Jackson; grandchildren -  Ross Evan Jennings, Sydney Henderson, Carter Alexander Jennings, John Henderson, Megan Magdelena Maria Davidson, James Jacob Davidson, Chaz Alexandra Hancock, and Skylar Henderson; sister, Betty Frederick; aunt, Lizzie Earvin; nieces - Lisa Williams (Ezra Sr.), Kimberly Washington, Jasmine Cunningham, and Cherrelle Cunnigham; dear cousins, Pearl Adams and Ruth Daniels; sisters-in-law, Sandra Eaves (Robert) and Cecil-Marie Otey; and a host other relatives and beloved friends. 

In lieu of flowers, all are encouraged to do unexpected and unsolicited acts of kindness for some poor, unfortunate, or elderly soul in her honor. 

Click the link below to access Viola's program:

https://online.flippingbook.com/view/383721459/

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