Special dedication for Jenny Hancock

Family, friends and co-workers gathered Friday to honor and celebrate the efforts and life of former Clay County 911 coordinator Jenny Hancock during a special dedication ceremony.

The event was held to mark the name change of the former County Road 246 to Jenny Hancock Road. Hancock had lived on the particular road, located off Highway 63 near Knobel, for 46 years until her death in the spring.

The event was attended by Hancock's mother, Henrietta West; son, Floyd; daughters Rose Ann and June, and grandchildren Logan and Alisha. Several county officials and employees also were present.

Hancock was known by many for her efforts to bring an effective 911 emergency system to the county. In fact, it was her work which led to the placement of identification signs to county roads. Due to this, county officials thought it would be suitable to dedicate a road to her memory.

"The county wanted to do something to honor Jenny and all that she did," Clay County judge Gary Howell said. "You can't really measure all that she did for Clay County."

Howell noted Hancock's initial efforts as a member of the Extension Homemaker organization which led to her work in obtaining and placing the road signs. She attended numerous meetings and workshops sponsored by the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) to not only stay up-to-date on emergency procedures, but also become more aware of what types of funding were available.

"The county was able to get a lot of money through the different government programs by Jenny going to meetings and being acquainted with so many people," Howell said.

Hancock was willing to tackle each problem head-on, which is why she was so effective as a county official.

"When she started working with 911 as an Extension Homemaker, it became part of her life," Floyd said. "She took great pride and pleasure in working to help Clay County and the people who live here. She wanted to do everything she could to help."