JoAnn (Butler) Hancock

JoAnn (Butler) Hancock, 76 of Waldorf, Maryland formerly of Washington, D.C.

Peacefully on Saturday morning, February 7, 2026 JoAnn Hancock transitioned to eternal life.

JoAnn Hancock was born on October 13, 1949 in Washington, D.C. the third of six children to the late Winston and Mary Butler. From an early age, JoAnn was rooted in strong values of faith, family, and hard work that guided her throughout her life.

JoAnn attended Washington, D.C. Public Schools and continued her studies at the University of the District of Columbia and Strayer University. Her professional career included the Postal Service, the United States Marine Corps, D.C. Probation Office, and later retired as a Project Manager for GSA Security. Alongside her professional work, she was a lifelong entrepreneur. She attended cosmetology school to become a licensed nail technician and went on to own a barbershop and nail salon.

JoAnn was the proud and devoted mother of Darren Broughton, Courtney Hancock ­Joyner, and Nicole Hancock. Family was the center of her world, and she poured her heart into her children and grandchildren. Her love for her grandchildren was immeasurable. From the time they were infants, she showered them with affection, and kisses. There was nothing she wouldn't do for them, whatever they wanted she did her best to provide.

She would stay out until 1 A.M. Christmas shopping, just to make sure her children had everything their hearts desired. She made it a priority to attend graduations, special ceremonies, college send-offs, birthdays etc., showing up with pride.

She shared a close bond with her sisters, Patricia, Shirley, and Debra, whom she considered her best friends.

JoAnn had a passion for bringing people together. She organized bus trips to New York City for Broadway plays, numerous shopping trips and excursions to Atlantic City casinos. She enjoyed the casino and was especially excited when the MGM opened just minutes from her home.

JoAnn also enjoyed crafting and selling her creations at pop-up events and craft shows. She loved connecting with people and forming new friendships. She was a master crochet artist, creating blankets, hats, and scarves for many family members. Each piece was crafted with love. JoAnn was also an avid reader whose favorite author was James Patterson, having read most of his books.

JoAnn's favorite gospel singer was Donnie McClurkin. She was able to witness him sing live at the Mother's Day Concert 2025. She absolutely was ecstatic. She was also a Redskins/Commanders fan, celebrating enthusiastically when they were winning.

Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. Having read the Bible many times, as a source of guidance, and strength. Her deep love for God shaped her character and reinforced her commitment to unconditional love. Her smile was genuine which could light up a room, and her spirit reflected the grace she carried within.

Her generosity was evident in her everyday actions. She was known for holding up traffic to search for spare change to give someone in need, believing deeply in helping others without hesitation.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Winston Butler; her siblings Winston Butler Jr. and Denise Butler; her granddaughter L'Tonya Renee Brown; her nieces Paula Jordan and Cassandra Butler; and her great niece Ebony Butler.

Left to cherish her loving memory are her loving children - Darren Broughton, Courtney Hancock-Joyner, and Nicole Hancock; son-in-law Chris Joyner; daughter-in-law Mary Broughton (Max); grandchildren - Whitney Harris, Ashleigh Broughton, Darren Broughton Jr., Christian Joyner, Jacqueline Calmese, Cameron Joyner, and Mi Kenzie Brown; great-grandchildren - Cori Deja-Rose Thompson, Cree Petties, and Camila JoAnna Broughton; loving sisters - Patricia Jackson, Shirley Butler, and Debra Butler; niece Tanna Bussey; nephews - Darnell Butler, Winston Butler III, Reggie Woods, Damon Jackson, and James Paige; a host of close cousins and friends; and very special loved ones - Daranette Queen-Broughton, Ethel Jones, and Donnell Covington.

Viewing, 10:00 a.m., until the Celebration of Life 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 20, 2026 in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20640. Interment immediately following at Heritage Memorial Cemetery, 13472 Poplar Hill Road, Waldorf, Maryland 20601.

On Friday, February 20, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., please click on the link below to live stream the service.

Please make sure when viewing the services that the volume located in the right lower corner (where it says "live") on the viewing screen is turned up (the bars should be blue).

The streaming will begin after the final family viewing. Therefore, there may be a delay before the service appears on the screen. Thank you.

https://www.thorntonfuneralhomepa.com/livestream