Jane Orpha Hancock, age 79, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2026.
Jane was born on April 9, 1947, in Grand Rapids, MI. She graduated from Wyoming High School in Wyoming, MI and attended Central Bible College in Springfield, MO, graduating in 1971.
After relocating to Ohio, Jane went on to complete her RN requirements at Miami University (Ohio) as well as an MS in Education at University of Dayton. She worked in home health, at Shriner’s Burn Institute, and at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital before serving as a school nurse in Centerville (Ohio) City Schools for twenty years, all while raising her three children. After retirement, Jane relocated to Tennessee, along with her sister Barb, in order to be closer to her daughter and young grandchildren. Through application of her medical skills and God’s providence, Jane first diagnosed her grandson with a serious ultra rare disorder which allowed him to enter a clinical trial and truly saved his life.
Jane will be warmly remembered by her children, Chris, Melissa (Joel), and Nathan (Nicole); her surviving sisters, Joyce and Eileen; her grandchildren, Tyson, Case, Logan, Bella, and Lincoln; and her nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Owen and Orpha Wiersma, her sister, Barbara Wiersma, and her grandson, Brock Hogan.
Jane was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. She loved to travel, taking multiple trips to Europe and Miami, along with cruises to Alaska, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. She also enjoyed listening to gospel and vocal pop music, and attending concerts with her sister. Most of all, though, Jane loved to simply spend time visiting and talking with her many close friends and family.
Her kindness, generosity, and joyfulness were a blessing to all those who came into contact with her. Her positive spirit and optimistic outlook touched the lives of everyone who knew her. Jane had a lifelong commitment to serving God and enjoyed attending church regularly throughout her life. Her faith sustained her through difficult times and carried her through to the end, and beyond. Her family wants to thank the loving team at Alive Hospice who cared for Jane in her final months.
A celebration of her life will be held at 9 am. on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Christ Fellowship. All are welcome to attend or send flowers to 104 Chestnut Lane, Franklin, TN 37064.
