Velva Ruth Hancock

Velva “Ruth” Hancock, age 89, of Church Hill, TN went to be with her mom and dad on Sunday, May 17, 2026. She was born to Delmus and Nellie Smith on March 1, 1937, in Hawkins County, TN. Ruth was a retired LPN, serving her local community for over 30 years. She was a devoted member of Cedar Chapel Church and was a member of the Smith Family Quartet and Sunrise Quartet. Ruth enjoyed listening to the Primitive Quartet and The Inspirations, she faithfully attended the gospel weekend at Hominy Valley. She was the last of a long generation of 5th generation women.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her nephew Alan Quillen

Those left to cherish her memory are her daughters Sharon “Ann” Clemons, Lois (Tommy) Davis, and Hope (Jeff Harless) Brown; grandchildren Athena Bradshaw (Daniel), Mark James Mallory, Dusty Clemons, Rachael Fugate, Jonothan Mallory, Donald Rowlett, and Michaela Bethea; great-grandchildren Madison Mallory (Alicia), Dakota (Megan) Bradshaw, Alexis “Lexi” Lee, Kristal Bradshaw (Jared), Lauren Fugate, Hunter (Chloe) Skelton, Remington (Kenady) Skelton, and Brooklynn Mallory; great great-grandchildren Mason Bradshaw, Kehlani Fugate, Parker Skelton, Kohen Skelton, Colton McNutt, and Julianna Voight; sister Nancy Jean Quillen; niece Deborah Jean (Lynn) Quillen-Jobe; as well as a host of extended family and friends.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Liberty Hill Cemetery with Rev. Bob Simpson officiating. Mark Mallory, Brooklynn Mallory, Daniel Singleton, Jared McNutt, Jeff Harless, Chad Bethea, Phil Bethea, and Kenny Kelley will be serving as pallbearers and Dusty Clemons, Jonothan Mallory, Madison Mallory, and Dakota Bradshaw will be serving as honorary pallbearers.

Carter-Trent Funeral Home – Church Hill is serving the Hancock family.