Brenda Jean Birchfield Hancock was born November 2, 1940 to parents' Forrest Birchfield and Sybil (Nunnelley) Birchfield in Anniston, Alabama. She passed away on March 20th, 2026 in her home at Heritage Woods Assisted Living in Dekalb, Illinois.

Brenda graduated from Anniston High School in Anniston, Alabama in 1958. She briefly attended Jacksonville State University, then later went on to receive her certificate in Cosmetology. She worked as a skilled hair dresser through the 70's, 80's and 90's. She also obtained a degree in Library Sciences from the College of Dupage in Wheaton, Illinois, where she then worked in the college's library.

Brenda married Donald L. Hancock on September 19, 1959. They later had 4 children; Donald L. Jr., Michael Kevin, Kimberly J., and Kelly Michel. While raising her children, Brenda also worked outside the home, raised Shetland Sheepdogs, and helped tend to the animals on their farm in Lodi, Ohio. In the 70's, she was an active member of the local dog and horse 4H Club. Throughout her life, Brenda and her family moved to several different states for Donald's job with the Thomas J. Lipton company, before finally settling in St. Charles, Illinois.

In 1995, Brenda lovingly shared her home with her mother for over 15 years. She then moved to Carolina Beach, North Carolina, shortly before her mother's passing to be closer to her sons and their families. Brenda spent a lot of her time there going to her grandkids' sporting events, extracurriculars, and to her children's homes for the holidays. She was an active member of the Pine Valley Methodist Church, and was also involved with the Elderhause, a PACE program in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Brenda moved to Heritage Woods Assisted Living in Dekalb, Illinois in the spring of 2023. There, she made incredible friendships with residents and staff alike. Brenda rarely missed bingo, craft time, or trips to Walmart. She loved going on trips to local forest preserves and concerts in the park. When the weather was nice, she enjoyed being in nature; whether she was sitting near her outdoor potted plants at her home, or relaxing in Kelly's backyard oasis. She also spent a lot of quality time with her beloved partner, Frank Preas, whom she met while living in Dekalb. Frank and Brenda spent much time together sharing memories, laughter, and love. She also became a member of the First United Methodist Church in Dekalb. Brenda absolutely loved life. She was known for her big smile and kind words for everyone she met. Her whistling was a sure sign of the happiness in her heart; she whistled pretty much everywhere she was. Brenda was incredibly creative; she enjoyed jewelry-making, painting and
collaging, just to name a few hobbies. She shared the word of Jesus Christ to anyone and everyone. Her love for the Lord could not be questioned. Her immense love of her family, children, grand-children, and great grandchildren was abundant; her apartment was beyond filled with pictures of them and of all her friends that she loved so dearly. The Lord, her family and her friends were everything to her. Brenda loved even the smallest of God's creatures. At one point in her life, she cared for up to 15 dogs, along with horses, cows, pigs, and cats, all at the same time. Until her last few years on Earth, Brenda always had at least one furry baby around her.

She is survived by the father of her children, Don L. Hancock Sr of Anniston, Al. Her children: Don L. Hancock Jr., Michael Kevin Hancock (Cindy), Kimberly J. Bosch (Adam) and Kelly Michel Richards (Chris). Grandchildren: Josh (Mary), Dustin (Mckaley), Briellen, Nick, Marly (Giovani), Mia (Brennan), Elizabeth, and Jared. Her great-grandchildren: Myla, Oakley, Vidalia, Wrenly and Callahan.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Forrest and Sybil; her brother, Gary Birchfield; sister Jan McCall; and several beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 25th from 1:15 to 3:15pm at Heritage Woods Assisted Living, located at 2626 N. Annie Glidden Rd, Dekalb, Illinois 60115. A second celebration will be held on May 16th for Family and friends in North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Tails Humane Society in Dekalb, Illinois, or to the Heritage Woods Assisted Living Activities department.

To sign the online guest book or share a special memory, go to www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com