Suzanne (Hancock) Ihlo

Suzanne Hancock Ihlo, 82, of Center, Texas passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 11th surrounded by family.

The funeral service for Suzanne Ihlo will be held at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, January 14th,2024 at Mangum Funeral Home in Center, Texas.   Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. also at Mangum Funeral Home.  Pastor Malcom Monroe of the First Methodist Church will officiate. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park.

Suzanne was born February 13th, 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, Texas 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, TX.  In her most recent years Suzanne embarked upon new adventures in Galveston, Texas.  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, Texas 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 LaVerdure, Janan Ihlo Pigg

Grandchildren:

Alicia Pigg

Wil and Lindsey Blackshear

Madeline and Logan Luzzo

Mackenzie Porter

Grant and Maddie LaVerdure

Grayson LaVerdure

Great Grandchildren:

William Blackshear

Mason Blackshear

Eli Blackshear

Siblings:

Buddy Hancock

Martha Jean Hancock Golden

Preceded in death by:

Husband: William G. Ihlo

Parents: Vance Hancock and Imogene Carriker Hancock

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:

Billy Ihlo

Maurice LaVerdure

John Henry Holloway

Wil Blackshear

Logan Luzzo

Grant LaVerdure

Grayson LaVerdure