Darlene Hancock

Darlene M. (nee Stripling) Hancock was born June 5, 1933 in Garrison, Texas to Joseph A. and Alleen (nee Truitt) Stripling, who instilled in their children the importance for excellence in any task or endeavor in which they became engaged. She passed away at the age of 79, on Tuesday, June 12, 2012, at home in Madison, WI.
Darlene professed Christ at an early age and was a believer in the divine power and was actively involved in Christian activities until she was called home. Her early involvement in church activities began as a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Holdenville, OK. Darlene was valedictorian of her senior high school class in Oklahoma City, OK. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree at Langston University and as the first African-American to receive her Master's Degree in Education Administration from University of Central Oklahoma.
Darlene met Allen A. Hancock while at college and they were united in marriage in 1950. To their union was born one son, Jerome L. Hancock.
Her first job was as a second grade teacher at Garden Oak Elementary in Oklahoma City, OK. Later they moved to Michigan City, Indiana where she taught first grade as well as being a counselor at a local senior high school. Later she became an administrator of the junior high school. While living in Michigan City, she was selected as a member of the Speakers Bureau for the state of Indiana.
Allen and Darlene moved to Madison, WI in July of 1974 and she was appointed grade level Principal of Memorial High School. She later became assistant Principal at Lincoln Middle School, followed by Tenth grade Principal at East High School. In 1983, she became Principal at Glenn W. Stephens Elementary School. She was an invited speaker for many church events, civic organizations and various other community programs. She always had a heart for children and their education to help them have a stronger sense of self. Darlene was a charter member of the Madison Metropolitan Chapter of LINKS, Inc. She organized the Links' first Student Achievement Award Services for minority students and it continues to grow each year.
In 1986, Darlene was an organizer, founding and charter member of S. S. Morris Community A.M.E. Church. As a member of S.S. Morris she was a guarantor Trustee, Sunday school teacher, and Steward Board member. Darlene was a founding member of the Madison Metropolitan LINKS, Inc. Charter member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Kappa Psi Omega chapter and remained an active Life member. She was a active member of the following organizations: A faithful orchid Tops in Service-Top Ladies Of Distinction member, the Tax Assessment Board in Madison, WI, the Black Hawk Girl Scout Counsel, the Mayor's Human Relations Counsel, Superintendent of the Human Relations Commission, and Advisory Commission on Minority Women. She received the YWCA Racial Justice Award in 1993. She received an award for exemplary performance and contribution from The Wisconsin Minority Women's Network Inc. She also received the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Heritage award, and the 100 Black Men's Outstanding Educator award for service. After 20 years of service to the Madison public schools, she retired from Glen Stephens Elementary School. For health reasons after retirement in 1995, they moved to Las Vegas, NV and became devout members of Holy Trinity AME Church. In 2006 her beloved Allen passed and Darlene returned back to Madison in 2007 to be near family and friends. In 2008 she established the Allen A. Hancock Fellowship Hall at S. S. Morris Community Church. Dedicated in December of 2010 and opened in January 2011, the Instructional Resource Center Tutoring Program was established that helps to tutor minority children of all ages.
She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving and devoted son, Jerome L. (Linda) Hancock of Madison, WI; grandchildren Sharisse M. of Madison, and Jerome A. (Samantha) of Watertown, MN; great grandchildren Alleanah Marie, Aavah Noel and Isaiah Allen Hancock. Sister, Lular Cochran of Edmond, OK; brothers, Joseph A. Stripling Jr. of Las Vegas, NV, and Moss A. Stripling, of Stockton, CA; niece Dr. Cheryl Crawford of Washington D.C., and nephew Dr. Theodore Saunders of Dallas, TX.; cousin Embry Giddings of Oklahoma City, OK; her church family of S.S. Morris, as well as a host of family members, friends and colleagues.

On Monday, June 18, 2012, visitation with the family will be held from 9 to 11 am at S.S. Morris Community Church, 3511 Milwaukee St, Madison, WI. Funeral service will follow at 11 am at S.S. Morris with the Rev. David Hart officiating.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to the Darlene M. Hancock Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 44301, Madison, WI 53744.