Brenda Joyce (Hancock) Yusko

Brenda Joyce Hancock Yusko, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away on May 22, 2026. On December 18, 1944, Brenda was born to David A. Hancock and Willie Francis Martindale Hancock in Scranton, Arkansas.

Brenda graduated from Northside High School in Fort Smith and later dedicated many years of service to the University of Arkansas Extension Service in Sebastian County. She was known for her strong work ethic, kind heart, and willingness to help anyone in need.

On February 15, 1963, Brenda married the love of her life, Michael Thomas “Mickey” Yusko. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and caring for others. Although Brenda and Mickey had no biological children of their own, they lovingly helped raise and influence the lives of many nieces, nephews, and children who adored them. To those who knew them, Brenda and Mickey were truly the “best of the best” as aunts and uncles.

Brenda found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments. She loved gardening and flowers, enjoyed fishing and traveling, and devoted much of her life to church activities and service. A lifelong member of Spradling Baptist Church, her faith was the foundation of her life and reflected in the kindness and compassion she showed to everyone she met. Brenda never said no to spending time with the children in her life. Whether she was playing chase, jumping on the trampoline, climbing, digging in the dirt, organizing a worm race, or joining in adventures the kids imagined, she gave her whole heart to making others feel loved and important. Brenda will be remembered for her faith, her nurturing spirit, and the countless lives she touched with love and laughter.

Brenda is survived by family: Patsy Davis (Jurvis) of Scranton; Barbara Griffith (George) of Fort Smith; Carol Harwood (Jerry) of Fort Smith; Jerry Hancock of Fort Smith; Janice Owen (James) of Little Rock. She is also survived by too many nephews, nieces, cousins, and in-laws to list, including: Paul David (Wilma), Gail Jarrell (Jerry), Jane Thompson (Raymond), Sandy Sikes (Charles), Larry Hancock, Mark Hancock, Elizabeth Litwa (Mike), Deborah Elwood (Bill), William McBurnett, Tenley Willey (Brandon), Stephanie Young (Carl), Brian Harwood (Candy), Greg Harwood (Nancy), David Harwood (Cindy), Blake Harwood, Derek Harwood (Holly), Joyce Aitali (Ab), Kristi Hancock Huffaker (James), Barbara Hancock, Gail Hancock, Glen Hancock, Shawn Richison (Heather), Kerry Richison, Chris Richison, Brooke-Augusta Owen Ware (Pittman), Evangeline Ware, Janis Martindale (Donny), Lelia Hancock; and her long-time friend, Dale Hulsey.

Brenda is preceded by her husband, Michael Yusko of Fort Smith; and loving siblings and nephews: David Dale Hancock “Snookie” (Helen) of Pansy; Billy Schriver (Paul) of Van Buren; Harold Hancock (Frances) of Van Buren; Joan McBurnett of Little Rock; Judy Richison (Z.W.) of Pocola; John Hancock of Fort Smith; Micheal Allen McBurnett of Rockwall, Texas; and Kevin McBurnett of Little Rock.

A visitation and memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Lewis Funeral Chapel. Burial at Roselawn Cemetery will follow. Brother Don Bradford will officiate the service, and Brooke Augusta Owen Ware will give the eulogy. Serving as pallbearers will be Shawn Richison, Chris Richison, Greg Harwood, David Harwood, Blake Harwood, and Paul Harwood.

Burial will take place at Roselawn Cemetery. Gifts in Brenda’s memory may be made to Garvan Woodland Gardens (mail to: 550 Arkridge Road, Hot Springs, AR 71913) or to a charity of your choice. Services are entrusted to Lewis Funeral Chapel.

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