Obituary of Michael Donovan Hancock

Michael Donovan Hancock Jr., affectionately known to many as "Pookie", was born February 20, 1990 in Denver Colorado. He was the sixth of seven children born to Michael Hancock Sr. and Brenda Hancock. Michael was instructed in the ways of holiness and the Christian lifestyle as a member of the Greater Harvest COGIC, here in Denver, under the leadership of Pastor Emeritus, Paul Nave. It was at Greater Harvest where his musical talents began to blossom. He played the cello, the drums, and a mean tambourine. Whenever the Northeast District Youth Department would host a tambourine competition as part of its youth services, if Michael was in it, he was almost and give God praise. Michael believed if you were gonna come to church, you might as well have church. Michael was bright and adventurous. He enjoyed traveling, and loved to meet new people. He was very outgoing, extremely determined and focused, and he knew how to have fun in any situation- like the time people were breaking into the cars in the neighborhood. Michael decided he'd call the police. When dispatch answered the call he said "This is Michael Hancock and someone's breaking into the cars on our block". They asked for the address, which Michael gave them. Not long after, the chief of police but these cars were being broken into and somebody needs to do something about it". fastest high school athletes ever in U.S. history, ranking at #3. He represented the USA in the World Championship in 2009 as an alternate. At the age of 19, Michael moved to California to further his education and track career. Michael became the Athlete of the Year, Long Beach Community College Conference Champion, Southern California Champion, and State Meet Runner Up, as well as co-school record holder in the 110 meter hurdles (13.77). Michael transferred to Iowa Central where he received his Associates Degree. He became the National Indoor and Outdoor Champion in the high hurdles, and was a part of the team that won the indoor nationals. Michael was later accepted to and attended Mississippi State University where he was performing at the world championship level and preparing for the 2012 Olympics. Unfortunately his dream of making it to the Olympics would remain only a dream. In 2012 Michael was diagnosed with cancer. Though he was raised in the church from a baby, and knew "the way", this Ghost under Supt. Al Conner of the New Dimension District COGIC. He sought after God like never before and began to pursue his ministry in preaching, singing, playing the instruments, and ministering to others.Michael was always eager to support his family. When his uncle, Marcus Rodgers, began the Dayspring COGIC ministry, he joined, and served as a deacon, as well as minister of music, under his uncle's leadership. He also sang with the Gospel Sons of Denver. Whatever Michael's hands found to do, he did it with all his might. He served in various capacities of the church including the Regional Evangelism Staff, Colorado Jurisdictional Choir, the education division of the Jurisdictional AIM department, and the Jurisdictional Youth Dept. Michael was gifted to write songs and had begun to pursue his solo album. Michael had an uncanny ability to make friends with almost everyone he met. People captivated by his warm, kind-hearted spirit, and infectious laugh. He was the epitome of a true praiser. Michael was determined, if there was strength in his body, to be found in the house of the Lord, doing what he did best. Though Michael wasn't always obedient as a child, he grew up to be a truly remarkable young man; well-liked by many; he will be greatly missed. Psalm 127:3 says "Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward." On Thursday, November 13, Michael transitioned from this life into life eternal. Michael leaves to cherish the memories of his life and legacy: his mother Brenda Hancock (Denver, CO), father Michael Hancock Sr. (Dallas, TX) one brother Edrien "Boss" Hancock (Denver, CO), five sisters: Tanica (Brian) Price (Denver, CO), Latoya (Rodnel) Michel (Orlando FL), Rashina Hancock (Denver, CO), Chardae (Joshua) Chaney (Jacksonville FL), Shanice Hancock, (Denver, CO) one half-sister, Libby Williams, two half-brothers, beloved aunts, uncles, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.