Barbara Laraine Cox Hand

Barbara, (affectionately known as Bobbie), Laraine Cox Hand, 87, entered into the presence of Jesus on December 8, 2025. Bobbie asked Jesus into her heart at an early age and loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and God's Word with all her heart.

Bobbie was born on January 18, 1938, in Greensboro, North Carolina. Her family, including her Grandmother whom she dearly loved, moved to Jacksonville, Florida when she was young and it was there that she met and married Bud, the love of her life. Theirs was a long and loving marriage and they were in the 70th year of their life together. She loved what her wedding band represented and once it was placed on her finger, she never once removed it.

Bobbie graduated in 1955 from Andrew Jackson High School where she discovered her love of basketball and became an exceptional player for the school team. She had a lifelong gift for serving others and was a devoted Pastor's wife, Sunday School teacher and Kindergarten teacher. She was also a talented seamstress who found much joy in sewing beautifully. Her sewing machine could be heard running late into the night making clothes for her girls, always a labor of love. Her greatest joys were being a wife, mother and homemaker. Another of her great pleasures was vacationing in the mountains and Maggie Valley was her favorite place to be. She and Bud went there many times together, other times her daughters and entire family went as well.

Bobbie was gifted with Godly wisdom and her invaluable advice, and thoughtful, prayerful counsel was sought after by many family members and friends. The greatest gift she gave her husband and daughters was her single-minded and unwavering love for Jesus.

"Her children rise up and call her blessed, her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all" (Proverbs 31:28-29). Hers was a beautiful life well lived for the Lord, her family and for others.

Bobbie is survived by her beloved husband Ernest "Bud" Hand, daughters Debbie Cribbs (Danny), Lindie Olachea (Jim), Sandie Jackson, Beckie Evangelista (Jeff), Missie Beck (Derek), 12 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Much gratitude is due to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida and especially to Shaqueta Searcy, the CNA who faithfully served Bobbie for many months. Bobbie lovingly referred to her as her bonus daughter; she was a true blessing to the entire family.

There will be a private celebration of Bobbie's life at 11:30 Monday, December 15 at Hardage Giddens Riverside.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Samaritan's Purse or Community Hospice of Northeast Florida.