Susan Anderson Hancock

Susan, the cherished daughter of the late James Cornelius Anderson and Martha (Smith) Anderson Martin, was born on May 11, 1953, in LaGrange, Georgia. She was a proud graduate of Berry College and was known for her warmth, kindness, and thoughtful spirit.

Susan was a faithful employee of LaGrange College for 39 years, where she served with dedication and care. She received an Honorary Alumnus Award and retired from the Alumni Department in 2015, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and a genuine connection with students, faculty, and alumni alike.

After her retirement, Susan made her home in Charleston, South Carolina, where she lived with her daughter and son-in-law, Catherine and Brett Garman, from 2015 until her passing.

Her colleagues at LaGrange College fondly remember her meticulous attention to detail and her extraordinary memory. Susan was known for her uncanny ability to find every legatee graduate and ensure the office’s records were always accurate—many recall that she could remember the names and class years of more than 8,000 graduates. As one longtime alum once shared, “When Susan answered the phone with her calm and sweet voice, I knew my alma mater was in good hands.”

Susan was married to the late James Ray Hancock (February 25, 1954 – November 30, 2013), with whom she shared a loving life and family. She was a devoted mother to her daughter, Catherine Hancock Garman (husband Brett Garman), and the proud grandmother of Hailey, Matthew, and Zachary Garman.

Her siblings also survive her: sister Delane Anderson Knight (brother-in-law Richard Knight), sister Teresa Anderson Bain, brother Kelly Anderson (sister-in-law Della Anderson), and step-sister Jan Lockerbie (Brian Lockerbie). She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, who fondly knew her as “Sue-Sue.”

Susan had a gentle, abiding love for life’s simple pleasures. An avid camper throughout her life, she was a charter member of the “Troup Travelers,” an affiliate of the National Campers and Hikers Association. It was within this community that, at just eight years old, she met the boy who would one day become her husband.

Susan could often be found soaking in the beauty of the world around her—watching birds and squirrels from her back porch and sharing her deep appreciation for nature with friends and family. She also found great joy in crocheting, lovingly making blankets for every member of her family. Her generosity extended beyond her home, as she created baby blankets, hats, scarves, and prayer shawls to donate to others in need.

Always eager to share her passion, Susan delighted in teaching anyone interested in learning how to crochet, generously giving her time, knowledge, and materials to help them succeed.

Susan grew up attending Trinity Methodist Church and was later a member Sunnyside Baptist Church in LaGrange, both of which she cherished many fond memories.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a service at 12:00 PM in the Striffler-Hamby Chapel located at 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30241. After the service, friends and family are invited to attend the graveside service at Shadowlawn Cemetery in LaGrange. Pastor Hope Taylor and Brett Garman will officiate the funeral service.

The family welcomes friends and loved ones to join in remembering Susan’s life.

Susan’s love, creativity, and gentle spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

All arrangements are made by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 884-8636.

Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting www.shlagrange.com.