Helen “Jo” Weger Hancock passed away on Monday, February 16th, 2026, one day after her 94th birthday, in Kilgore, Texas surrounded by her loving family. Born on February 15th, 1932 in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Jo was the only daughter of

VV “Vern” Weger and Helen McKee Satterthwaite Weger. They lovingly welcomed their new “little valentine” into their growing family with their two older sons. Raised in the oilfields of Oklahoma and Texas, spending her junior high and high school years in the small East Texas towns of Arp and Troup, Jo graduated from high school and attended what is now TWU. Jo later settled in East Texas where her parents were living, Kilgore specifically, where she met JD, her husband of almost 60 years before his passing in January, 2013. Shortly after JD and Jo married, they joined St. Luke’s Methodist Church where they were both active in serving the church as well as the community. Jo was recently honored as one of a few members still living who had been a member for over 60 years, and an active one at that. Serving as teacher, leader, kitchen duty, whatever wherever was needed with those her own age and the youth, often with her dear friend, Nina Fern… they made quite a team, and always with laughter and good spirit, beauty and grace.

Jo was active in the community while along with JD, raising their three children, Doug, Sarah and Brian, were able to make church and school a priority, not only for their three, but others.

Jo always made time for her family and friends. Active in several groups including St. Luke’s, PTA throughout the many years, Evergreen Garden Club, Coterie Club, Rainbow Girls, Eastern Star to name a few…Community Concerts and more… serving as an officer for all groups at one time or another…some several times…and most with honors along the way. One of her most cherished honors was being named “Kilgore’s First Lady” in 1979…for her years of self -less giving to the community.

Even up until the last several months, she continued to play bridge and “King of the Corner” to her delight with her many dear friends…always looking forward to that time with her friends…

Throughout Jo’s life, she was characterized by her giving nature and a profound commitment to her family, friends and community… entertaining when she could at home, or out at Lake Cherokee for many years.

Preceded in death by her husband, JD Hancock; her parents, Vern and Helen Weger of Longview, Texas; her older brothers and their wives, Gene Weger and Edna of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Chuck and Mary Weger of Hideaway Lake, Texas…Her mother-in-law Lu “Stella” Hancock of Gilmer, brother in-law Edward “Ed” Hancock , and brother-in-law, George Beene, her sister and brother-in-law, Bill and Martha Whitaker of Carthage, and several nieces and nephews…

Jo is survived by her sons and daughter-in-law, Doug Hancock of Kilgore and Brian and Jan Hancock of Tyler; daughter, Sarah Hancock of Dallas; Grandson Parker Hancock and wife, Shelley of Houston; Grandson Bryson Hancock of Houston, and Granddaughter Hillary Hancock, of Dallas… and especially her great grandchildren William, Hallie and Owen Hancock of Houston, as well as her “favorite nephews and niece”… you know who you are!

In honor of Jo, and at her request, a grave side service will be held on Wednesday, February 18th, 2026, 2 pm at “the old Kilgore Cemetery”, 200 Memorial Street, Kilgore, Texas 75662.

Should you choose, memorial donations may be made to: St. Luke’s Methodist Church, 401 E. Main Street, Kilgore, Texas 75662 attention: Parlor Fund (to assist in the remodeling after a flood, where many special occasions continue to be held)

The family thanks the years of caregiving of Kenda Wheeler and her team of “loving care”, as well as Kindful Health of Longview, Texas.