Barbara Ann Hensley

Barbara was born September 11, 1933, in Dallas, Texas, to Jack and Lillian Harris. Barbara spent a portion of her childhood in Shreveport, Louisiana, and the remainder in Houston, Texas, where she graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1951. She deferred a college education in order to be the sole breadwinner while her husband pursued his education when she married in 1952, returning to The University of Houston in 1976 as a history major, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1979. She prized education and lifelong learning, was an avid reader and genealogist, and in her younger years, an enthusiastic bridge and tennis player. While they were both able, she and her husband travelled extensively, both in the United States and abroad. Through her life she was an enthusiastic supporter of local sports teams, with a special place in her heart for her University of Houston Cougars. Her other great passion was doting on her five grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband and soulmate of 58 years, Don Hensley, who died in 2010, as well as her youngest son, Mark Hensley, who passed away in 2015.

She is survived by her oldest son, Dr. Donald Hensley and his wife, Dr. Janie Lee, and their children, Dr. Jack Hensley and Erin Hensley. She is also survived by her son Dr. David Hensley and his wife Patricia Start Hensley, and their children, John (JP) Hensley and Caitlin (Caiti) Hensley Self, and her husband Milo Self. She is also survived by Mark’s son, Matthew Hensley, and his mother, Sherry Reece Hensley. A special recognition goes to her surviving sister, Betty Fulkerson, and her two daughters and their spouses, Denice and Michael Vincent, and Barbara and Russell Zorn.

Barbara had many wonderful friends over the years, but special mention goes to Joan Greico, Sharon French, who she knew for over 50 years, and also special friends Theresa Woidneck, Doris Lin and Mary Marquardon.

Finally, Barbara had two wonderful caretakers in her last years, who gave her safety and joy, allowing her to live independently in her own home, Zenaida Somosierra and Glenda Adolasion.

Her family will be forever grateful for their love and care for Barbara.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialoaksfunerals.com for the Hensley family.