A 1957 graduate of Greenwood High School, Dr. Hancock earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Coker College in Hartsville, South Carolina. She later received her Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership, an Ed.S., and an M.B.E. from Georgia State University and completed post-doctoral studies at Harvard University. In recognition of her accomplishments, Coker College awarded her an honorary doctorate. She was also honored as the first woman academician named an Honorary Alumnus of Clemson University in 1982 and received the Wade Woodward Award for outstanding contributions to the university, along with the Clemson Athletic Department������Ƶ�s Super Tiger Award.

Dr. Hancock devoted nearly 50 years to education as a professor, administrator, speaker, and advocate for educational reform. During her career she inspired countless students and colleagues with her commitment to excellence and her belief that education should serve both individuals and communities. A nationally recognized speaker, she delivered more than 450 speeches, seminars, and workshops in 44 states and abroad, sharing her message of leadership, service, and civic engagement.

Her expertise and leadership were recognized at the national level. In 1989, President George H. W. Bush appointed her to the Presidential Commission on Student Financial Aid, where she was the only two-year college educator in the nation to serve on the commission. In 1990 she took leave from her position at DeKalb College in Atlanta to serve as Deputy to Secretary of Education Lamar Alexander.

In 2001, President George W. Bush appointed Dr. Hancock as the U.S. Department of Education������Ƶ�s Regional Representative for the Southeast. In this role, she served as the Secretary of Education������Ƶ�s envoy and spokesperson, representing federal education policies and initiatives throughout the largest region of the department. She worked extensively with the administration������Ƶ�s landmark education legislation, the No Child Left Behind Act, and served for eight years in the administration.

Prior to this appointment, Dr. Hancock was President and Founding Partner of A. Hancock & Associates in Atlanta, an educational consulting and motivational speaking firm. During her 42 years in Atlanta, she was widely active in civic and community affairs and was named one of the ������Ƶ�Super 17 Citizens of Atlanta������Ƶ� by Turner Broadcasting Systems. She also received the Big Heart Award for humanitarian efforts on behalf of Georgia������Ƶ�s citizens, resolutions from both the Georgia Senate and House of Representatives for her contributions to education, and recognition as a ������Ƶ�Gracious Lady of Georgia������Ƶ� for her cultural contributions to the state.

After returning to Greenwood, Dr. Hancock remained deeply involved in her community. She served as President of the Republican Women of Greenwood County and on the Executive Board of the South Carolina Federation of Republican Women. She was also active in numerous civic and charitable organizations, including serving as Vice Chair of the Food Bank Board, Chair of the United Center Board, President of the Unit One Garden Club, a member of the State United Way Board, a member of the John de la Howe Board of Directors, a member of the Milford Manor Homeowners Board of Directors, and President of the Magnolia Cemetery Association.

A devoted woman of faith, Dr. Hancock was an active member of First Baptist Church in Greenwood, where she served as a Sunday School teacher and Chair of the Worship Committee.

In addition to her parents, Dr. Hancock was preceded in death by her brother, James William ������Ƶ�Bill������Ƶ� Hancock.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Frances Croft Hancock of Rock Hill, South Carolina; nephew James William Hancock, III of Rock Hill; niece, Deanna Katherine Hancock (Tyler Sandifer) of Arvada, Colorado, two great nephews, James Cole Hancock (Samantha) of LeMars, Iowa and Justice Lee Hancock of Rock Hill, South Carolina; great great nephew James Barrett Hancock and her cousin, Norma Woodle Hopkins of Greenwood, South Carolina.

Dr. Hancock was widely admired for her intelligence, wit, and gift for storytelling. Through her work as an educator, speaker, and public servant, she inspired generations to pursue excellence and to work for the betterment of their communities.

The family will receive friends on Monday, April 6, 2026 from 6:00PM ������Ƶ� 8:00PM at Blyth Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church in Greenwood on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 2:00PM with the Rev. John Uldrick officiating.

Burial will follow at Greenwood Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to Connie Maxwell Children������Ƶ�s Home, 810 Maxwell Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646 or to The First Baptist Church of Greenwood, 722 Grace Street, Greenwood, SC 29649.

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Mrs. Bragdon was born on April 9, 1938, in Coward, daughter of the late Carl Manton Matthews and Alma Anderson Matthews. She was a graduate of J.C. Lynch High School in Coward and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Coker College. She later received her Master������Ƶ�s degree in Education from Francis Marion University and devoted her career to shaping young lives as a teacher until her retirement. A faithful member of Lake City First Baptist Church, she served as a Sunday school teacher and joyfully shared her love of music as a member of the handbell choir.

Surviving are her sons, William H. Bragdon, Jr., M.D. (Rebecca) of Lexington, South Carolina, and Terrell Brian Bragdon of Lake City, South Carolina; and her two grandchildren, Holly Rebecca Bragdon and David Revere Bragdon, both of Lexington; siblings, Carlie Brooks Matthews (Claire) and Elaine M. McElveen (Norman), both of Coward.

Mrs. Bragdon was preceded in death by a sister, LaVonne Matthews Hamilton.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00 PM, Friday, September 5, 2025, at Carolina Funeral Home, with funeral services to follow at 3:00 PM in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be at Lake City Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Lake City First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 820, Lake City, SC 29560, or to ������Ƶ, 300 E. College Avenue, Hartsville, SC 29550.

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Born on April 15, 1924, Sara, even as a young child, was reported to have been high spirited, energetic, and fiercely independent. Tales were told of her young years growing up on a working farm and cherished by devoted parents. During World War II, she moved to New Jersey and assisted in the war effort in the meaningful job of helping to build Navy fighter planes and time spent on the staff of the Washington Post Newspaper.

After the war, Sara married John Wildeboer of Parsippany NJ and returned to Hartsville SC. Although she initially worked in the business with her father and husband, feeling unfulfilled, she returned to college and pursued graduate studies becoming one of the first middle school guidance counselors. She acted in this position, while raising two daughters, until retirement and was vastly appreciated and recognized as she helped students and parents with life choices throughout her career.

Sara enjoyed spending time with friends and family, traveling, reading, music, and shopping. She was strong in her faith, support for just causes, children, animals, and her commitment to her ancestral Jacob Kelley House in Hartsville, SC.

Sara is survived by her two daughters, Sherry Wildeboer Macaluso (Charles) of Blythewood, SC, and Joan Wildeboer Sorrow of Hartsville, SC. She adored her grandchildren, Lanie Boyd Tiller (Phillip) of Hartsville, SC, and Charles Macaluso, Jr. of Blythewood, SC; her great-grandchildren, Boyd Tiller, and Cooper Tiller of Hartsville, SC. She treasured her many close friends keeping them close throughout her life. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Wildeboer, and her grandson, Simon Boyd.
The family wishes to thank her loving caregiver, Jackie Kramartz, and the outstanding, compassionate care provided by the Agape Hospice House of Summerville, SC.
A private graveside service will be held with care provided by Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Darlington County Humane Society and the World Central Kitchen.

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Mrs. Hook was born December 20, 1938 in Andrews, SC, the only child of F. L. O������Ƶ�Brien Jr. and Ava Coker O������Ƶ�Brien. She was preceded in death by her husband of 34 years, Frank Wilkes Hook.

Mrs. Hook was a member of North Trenholm Baptist Church and the Dooley/Nabors Sunday school class. She was a graduate of Coker College, Hartsville, SC and spent 35 years teaching in several SC public school districts before retiring from Fulmer Middle School in Lexington School District Two. During her career, she received numerous honors for her contributions to the field of education including being named Teacher of the Year for Fulmer Middle School.

Mrs. Hook enjoyed needlepoint and shared many beautiful pieces with family and friends. She enjoyed traveling and loved to tell stories of places she had visited and special times in her younger years spent at Myrtle Beach and Pawley������Ƶ�s Island. Her stories will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Surviving are her step-daughter Pamela Hook Johnson (Dr. Joel) of Columbia; grandchildren Joel Johnson Jr. (Kristen) of Columbia and Dr. Jeffrey Johnson (Jennifer) of Mt. Pleasant and special nieces Becky Corley Padgett (Lee) of Athens, Georgia, and Vickie Corley Roberts (Steve) of Lexington, SC.

The family would like to extend a special word of gratitude to the staff and residents of Atria Forest Lake for their attentive care and many friendships formed with Mrs. Hook over the last six years she resided there. In addition, the family appreciates the compassionate care from the staff at National Health Care during Mrs. Hook������Ƶ�s final days.

Memorials may be made to North Trenholm Baptist Church, 6515 North Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29206.

A graveside service will be held at 12:00 pm noon December 7, 2019 at Mt. Hebron Methodist Church, 3050 Leaphart Road, West Columbia, SC 29169 with Rev. David Knapp officiating. Visitation will immediately follow the graveside at Moseley Funeral & Cremation Service, 914 Meeting Street, West Columbia, SC 29169.

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She attended North Greenville College and received her BA in Education from Coker College, Clarabel was a secondary school teacher with the Georgetown County School District for more than 28 years before retiring in 1988.  Mrs. Jordan was a member of Screven Baptist Church in Georgetown, SC.  Her hobbies included sewing, gardening, reading, movies and travel.

Surviving are a daughter, Leigh Ann Bizzell (Willie) of Hartsville, SC; a son, James Edward ������Ƶ�Jay������Ƶ� Jordan of Pawleys Island; three brothers, Roland Ching (Grace) of Raleigh, NC, Richard Ching (Sandra) and Edward Ching (Margaret) both of Prince Edward Island, Canada;  Six grandchildren, Jordan Bizzell, Victoria Bizzell, and McKinsey Bizzell, all of Hartsville, Kaylee Jordan and Jadon Jordan of Pawleys Island and James Forrest Phillips (Megan) of Inman, SC,  along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Jordan������Ƶ�s family will receive friends from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM Monday, May 20, 2019 in the chapel of Graham Funeral Home.  A graveside funeral service, officiated by Reverend Wayne Ellis, will immediately follow in Pennyroyal Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to the charity of one������Ƶ�s choice.

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May 22, 1938 – October 20, 2018

Mrs. Claire Langston Marchand, 80, died on October 20, 2018 in Pomona, CA. She was the daughter of the late Carroll and Thelma Langston of Hartsville, SC.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Dave Marchand; 2 daughters, 1 son, 3 grandchildren; her brother, Jerry ������Ƶ�Bubba������Ƶ� Langston of Florence, SC.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Jack C. Langston.

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Janette Oliver Benoist, 79, went to be with her Lord Thursday, November 30, 2017.  Mrs. Benoist was preceded in death by her parents George H. and Lillian Sims Oliver, and her husband, Robert Keith Benoist. Mrs. Benoist is survived by her daughter, Ashley B. Britt and her husband Pete of Rockingham; grandchildren, Amanda B. Allen of Elizabethtown, NC and Thurman James Britt III (T. J.) of Rockingham; great grandson, Jacob Covington Allen of Elizabethtown, NC; and brother, George H. Oliver of Orlando, Florida. Mrs. Benoist was born on April 1, 1938 in Florence, SC.  Janette graduated from McClenaghan High School in Florence, SC.  She received a business degree from ������Ƶ and a BS degree from St. Andrews Presbyterian College. She was employed by the Richmond County School System for thirty-seven years as a Business Education teacher. Janette was an active member of Cordova United Methodist Church, where she held many offices.  She also attended the Tuesday Morning Bible Study at First United Methodist Church of Rockingham along with other Bible studies at First UMC, and attended Temple Baptist Church. Mrs. Benoist was a member of the Richmond County Women’s Club and was very passionate in supporting community projects.

A service to celebrate her life will be held at  11:00 am  on  Friday, December 8, 2017 at Cordova United Methodist Church .  The family will receive friends from  6:00 ������Ƶ� 8:00 pm, Thursday  at Carter Funeral Home in Rockingham and other times at her home. Memorials may be made to Cordova United Methodist Church, 132 Ledbetter St, Rockingham, NC 28379, First United Methodist Church, 410 E Washington St, Rockingham, NC 28379, or Temple Baptist Church, 165 Airport Rd, Rockingham, NC 28379, Richmond County Hospice, 1119 N US Hwy 1, Rockingham, NC 28379. The family would like to thank all her friends that have visited and supported her through her extended illness.

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