February 13, 1941 January 11, 2024
Suzanne Hancock Ihlo, 82, of Center, Texas passed away peacefully on Thursday, Jan. 11 surrounded by family. Funeral service for Suzanne Ihlo was held at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 14th, 2024, at Mangum Funeral Home in Center. Visitation was from 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. also at Mangum Funeral Home. Pastor Malcom Monroe of the First Methodist Church officiated. Interment followed at Oaklawn Memorial Park.
Suzanne was born February 13, 1941, to Vance Earl Hancock and Gladys Imogene Hancock. As a native of Shelby County, she graduated from Center High School in 1958 before attending Baylor University. Although her wanderlust took her in many directions, she spent most of her life here in Center among family and friends. She was an active member of the community where she enjoyed being a part of many organizations including Bridge Club, Reading Club, Beta Sigma Phi sorority, and the Daughter’s of the American Revolution chapter in Nacogdoches, as well as the Washington chapter in Galveston.
In her most recent years, Suzanne embarked upon new adventures in Galveston. She always looked forward to her participation and outings with the Women’s Association of Galveston Country Club and her neighborhood Book Club.
Some of her favorite pastimes were walking on the beach, collecting shells and sea glass, riding her golf cart through the neighborhoods, and visiting with her many friends.
As a longtime member of The Methodist Church in Center, she served on various committees. After several years of dedication and hard work, one of her proudest moments was securing a historical marker for the First Methodist Church Cemetery, one of the oldest in the county, dating back to 1861.
Throughout her life, Suzanne was known to be outgoing, fun loving, and faithful. She had an indescribable way of making everyone she met feel comfortable, welcomed, and loved.
Suzanne had a great sense of humor and was friendly to all in her presence. Mindful of the family legacy passed on to her from her mother and grandmother, Suzanne inherited a gift for southern charm and hospitality. Her greatest joy was the time she spent with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
She is survived by: Children, Roy Blackshear and Liz Burke, Pat Blackshear Porter, Kristi Ihlo LaVerdure and Maurice La-Verdure, and Janan Ihlo Pigg Grandchildren, Alicia Pigg, Wil and Lindsey Blackshear, Madeline and Logan Luzzo, Mackenzie Porter, Grant and Maddie LaVerdure, and Grayson LaVerdure Great Grandchildren, William Blackshear, Mason Blackshear, and Eli Blackshear.
Siblings, Buddy Hancock and Martha Jean Hancock Golden.
Preceded in death by: Husband, William G. Ihlo; parent, Vance Hancock and Imogene Carriker Hancock; and son-in-law, Gilbert Scott Porter Suzanne was loved deeply by her family and countless friends. She will be in our hearts forever and always.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to First Methodist Church, 211 Porter Street, Center TX 75935 Pallbearers were Billy Ihlo, Maurice LaVerdure, John Henry Holloway, Wil Blackshear, Logan Luzzo, Grant LaVerdure, and Grayson LaVerdure.
To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.
Mangum Funeral Home, Center, was in charge of arrangements.