Darlene (Hancock) Easley

Patricia Darlene Hancock Easley died on December 6, 2019 after a long bout with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born on March 28, 1949 at Cabarrus Memorial Hospital in Concord, NC to Maro and Trudie Hancock of Concord. She was the fifth (and “baby“) of five children born to that family.

Darlene was always known for her beautiful smile and quick wit. She was never without a response to any teasing or comment and would catch you off guard with her quick response.

She was also totally devoted to her church and family. She served as librarian for years at Parkwood Baptist Church in Concord where she also taught Sunday School, sang on the Praise Team and attended services faithfully.

She graduated from Northwest Cabarrus High School in 1967 and from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 1971. She earned a Masters Degree from Queens College. Upon finishing college, she taught English at West Stanley High School and later at Concord High School. She became School Media Specialist at Odell Elementary School in 1995 and worked there until her retirement.

Darlene was constantly running into students she had taught who were so enamored of her and who commented on the impact she had made on their lives.

Darlene spent much of her retirement time with her 7 grandchildren and doing volunteer work for the church. Several years ago, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and has spent the last 2 years living with decreasing function and cognitive ability. Nonetheless, she continued her gentle, smiling personality right up until only recently.

She will be tremendously missed by her family and those who loved her.

Darlene was married to Darrell Easley in 1972 but divorced. She is survived by her two children, Hannah Elizabeth Pao (1980) of Greensboro and her husband, James; and Matthew Darrell Easley (1983) of Summerville, SC, and his wife, Sara; 7 grandchildren, Lily, Samuel, Iris, Juniper and Zinnia Pao and Hunter and Savannah Easley. She is also survived by sister Linda Staton of Kannapolis, brother Jerry Hancock of Davidson and brother John Hancock of Statesville.

A funeral service to honor Darlene’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday 10, 2019 at Parkwood Baptist Church, 1069 Central Drive NW, Concord, NC 28027. Reverend Michael Waters will officiate. Interment will be private. The family will receive friends from 12:00PM – 2:00PM prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be made in Darlene’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or Parkwood Baptist Church Children’s Ministry Fund 1069 Central Dr NW, Concord, NC 28027.

Condolences may be expressed at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com