Mrs. Agnes West Hancock, 102, of Onancock, passed away on Jan. 12, 2024. She was born in Onancock on June 13, 1921, a daughter of the late Harold Parker West and the late Mildred Dix West.
Until the last few weeks, she was physically active, mentally sharp, lived alone independently, and took pleasure in life.
Agnes was more than a resident of Onancock; she was a part of it. She was born at 3 Lee Street, grew up there, and began her education in kindergarten at Ker Place. In 1939 she graduated from Onancock High School and completed her secondary education at Stuart Hall in Staunton. She completed her schooling with a two-year elementary education program at Stratford College (now defunct) in Danville.
Her first job was as a first grade teacher on Chincoteague. She contracted scarlet fever while there and returned to Onancock. She would never leave again.
Upon her return to Onancock, she worked for Carroll Bull at the Farmer’s Exchange, with her mother in Florida during the summers, and for a local attorney.
In 1957 Agnes married Wilson Hancock, a widower with one daughter, Ginny Lee. Sadly, Ginny Lee died in September 1958 of a congenital heart defect. Agnes and Wilson were married for 49 happy years until his death in June 2006. For many years Agnes was the sole caretaker of her mother until her mother’s death in 1998 at the age of 101.
Agnes was a history buff interested in places and people. She didn’t just know a person; she knew all of the members of a family for three generations. She loved the Eastern Shore.
Agnes was of frail health as a child, but she never let it get her down. In fact she never let anything get her down. She was a happy person who lived a life rooted in her faith. She was an active member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church her entire adult life.
Agnes sought to live her life in accord with nature. She loved gardening (her home was always filled with plants), exercising, and eating healthy, natural foods. She relished talking with other people, hearing their stories, and telling them hers. She was a social person, connecting with other people and they with her. She spread happiness.
Reflecting her interests, she was a member of the Accomack Garden Club, Friends of Onancock School, Eastern Shore Historical Society, the Museum of Chincoteague Island, The National Society of Colonial Dames of the 17th Century, and, as previously mentioned, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.
She is survived by many loving relatives and friends.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, at 2 p.m., at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Onancock, with a reception to follow at the church Parish Hall. Interment will be private.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at
www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.
