HANCOCK, Carol Ann

Carol Ann Hancock, 80, passed away on Thursday, March 6, 2025, in Southern California.

Carol was born on November 3, 1944, in Ponca City, Oklahoma, the only child of Norman Haley and Mavis Rhodes. She grew up in Ponca City and graduated from Ponca City High School in 1962.

Carol graduated on a Thursday and began working the following Monday at Continental Oil Company (CONOCO). Over the years, she worked in multiple departments, eventually becoming the Secretary to the Vice President of Marketing before moving to Tulsa in 1969.

In 1970, Carol married Dave Hancock, becoming a loving stepmother to Dave’s four children—Lisa, Rick, Rusty, and Miki. In December 1971, Carol and Dave welcomed their son, Greg.

In 1974, as Dave’s company expanded, his job relocated to Northern California, where Carol, Dave, and Greg moved. Many of Dave’s co-workers became lifelong friends of the couple.

A talented cook, Carol perfected her own recipe for Shotgun Willie Chili (named in honor of their friend Willie Nelson) and began competing in chili cookoffs hosted by the International Chili Society (ICS). When Carol entered a competition, other cooks knew they were in for a battle! A fierce competitor and true master of her craft, she won the World Championship Chili Cookoff in 1985.

ICS founder Carroll Shelby quickly recognized that Carol’s talents extended far beyond the kitchen—she was a beloved figure in the chili world and a true friend to “Chili Heads” everywhere. In 2001, Shelby personally asked Carol to lead the International Chili Society. Under her leadership, the ICS flourished, and she eventually became the owner of the organization. To many, she was simply known as the Chili Queen. For Carol, chili was not just a hobby—it was a legacy.

In 1994, Carol and Dave moved to Hermosa Beach, where they embraced the coastal lifestyle. They cherished evening walks along “The Strand” and spent countless nights on their balcony, watching the sun set over the ocean.

In 1999, when their longtime friend Mike Cooper founded Xpress Data, Inc., he convinced Dave to join him. This led Carol and Dave to move to Coto de Caza, CA. What started as a move for work became something far greater—their home became a hub of friendship, laughter, and celebration, with neighbors who became like family.

For over 20 years, Carol’s dedication helped shape the ICS and the World Championship Chili Cookoff, ultimately helping raise nearly $100 million for various charities. When she retired, she made the difficult decision to sell the ICS, which was later acquired in 2020 by the founder of the World Food Championships. Carol’s passion, leadership, and warmth will never be forgotten. Her legacy lives on in every simmering pot of chili and in the countless friendships she helped forge.

Carol and Dave did everything together. As devoted Willie Nelson fans, their interactions with the band blossomed into friendships that spanned more than 40 years. They were privileged to travel with Willie Nelson and Family on tour, creating unforgettable memories around the country.

In 2020, Carol and Dave celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Later that year, Dave passed away, leaving Carol heartbroken. But she was uplifted by the love and support of the hundreds of friends whose lives she had touched.

In November 2024, Carol celebrated Thanksgiving and her 80th birthday with a Denim & Diamonds theme—fitting for a woman who embodied both grit and glamour. Family and friends gathered to share stories, laughter, and, of course, a BBQ feast.

Carol may have been just 5’2”, but her presence was larger than life. She never met a stranger, and when she walked into a room, you knew it. She treated everyone with kindness and respect and had an unmatched ability to make people feel valued. She loved her family and friends fiercely. We were lucky to have her in our lives, and her impact will live on in our hearts, our memories, and our actions.

A celebration of life will be held in the coming months, where friends and family will gather to honor Carol’s extraordinary life.

Honor her memory by embracing life with the same zest she did. Raise a glass of gin & tonic (with two limes!), play a Willie Nelson song, and share a story of the good times you had with her. Carol’s spirit will live on in the laughter and love she brought to those around her.

Carol is survived by her daughter Lisa and her husband, Rodney; her son Rick and his wife, Kim; her son Rusty and his wife, Beth; her daughter Miki and her husband, Scott; her son Greg and his wife, Holly; her brother-in-law Warren; nine grandchildren—Kaleb (and wife Darenda), Zachary (and wife Candice), Colt (and wife Lauren), Aubrie (and husband David), Brooks (and wife Anna), Austin (and wife Madison), Mackenzie, Parker, and Brady—and six great-grandchildren—Brooklyn, Brody, Cason, Cori, Cami, and Hollis.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Braille Institute in Carol’s name by clicking the “Dedicate this Donation” link towards the bottom of the donor page. This organization helps those experiencing vision loss and Dave was given access to a free audio book library that he thoroughly enjoyed as it became more difficult for him to read:

https://www.brailleinstitute.org/donate