Mrs. Velma Jean Nicholson Hansard, age 70 of Gaylesville, Alabama, passed away Saturday, January 11, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.
The funeral service will take place on Thursday, January 16 at 1:00 PM CST at the Perry Funeral Home Chapel with interment to follow at Cherokee Memory Gardens.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 15 from 5:00-7:00 PM CST at Perry Funeral Home.
She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Tommy Hansard; sons Casey Hansard and Cory (Cristy) Hansard; four grandchildren: Abby, Ally, Easton, and Adalyn Jean; a brother, Benny Nicholson; a sister, Marlene Nixon; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as special childhood friend Ellen Gaylor McWhorter.
The family will accept flowers or a contribution can be made in Jean’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, to your local church’s Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, or to Annie Armstrong Easter Offering in support of missions.
A life long resident of Cherokee County, she was the daughter of the late Enoch J. and Lois Robertson Nicholson.
Jean grew up on her family farm in Jamestown, Alabama and graduated from Gaylesville School in 1972. She continued her education at Berry College, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education, and later earned a Master of Science in Mathematics Education from Jacksonville State University. Jean taught math at Cherokee County High School for 25 years. Upon retirement, she continued her career at Summerville Middle School for an additional ten years. She was fondly remembered as a favorite teacher by many of her former students.
In 1976, Jean married Tommy Hansard and together they built a life of love and devotion. They were the proud parents of two sons, Casey and Cory. When Cory married Cristy, Jean embraced her favorite role-Grandmama. Her grandchildren, Abby, Ally, Easton, and Adalyn Jean, were the light of her life and brought her immeasurable joy.
Jean’s unwavering faith and kindness was a guiding light to all who knew her. Her trust in God was evident in her daily life. She found joy in serving her church in various capacities, including as pianist, Acteens teacher, church nursery worker, and through her enthusiastic support of missions. Her heart of service was a cornerstone of her faith which she lived out with grace and humility.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Enoch and Lois Robertson Nicholson; a special aunt, Grace Robertson; and a brother, Thomas Lee Nicholson.
The family will accept flowers or a contribution can be made in Jean’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, to your local church’s Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, or to Annie Armstrong Easter Offering in support of missions.
The family would like to offer a special thanks to Perry Medical Clinic, Dr. Sheri Frickey, and caregiver Stacy Reynolds.
Perry Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements
www.perrfuneral.net
