Helen Clark Hensley died peacefully at home on May 8th, 2026, one day after her 97th birthday. She will be remembered for living a life full of laughter, joy and optimism. Helen loved talking with friends and family, sending personal notes, attending church and participating in clubs. In the latter years of her life she embraced travel and writing. Regardless of the time of day or where she might be, Helen was elegant. Her hair was always perfectly styled and her nails freshly painted. Lipstick and earrings complemented her signature, colorful outfits, even on days when she didn’t leave the house. Helen was a firm believer that “you’re never really dressed without a smile."
Helen was born on May 7th, 1929 in Covington, Kentucky. She maintained a special fondness for her original home state throughout her life. Her father, Dr. Garland Clark, was a family physician in Winchester, Kentucky and her mother, Elizabeth Clark, was an accomplished musician. She loved to tell stories about her teenage years during World War II. Her family traveled to port cities in Florida and California to ensure they would be present if and when Dr. Clark, a U.S. Navy doctor, returned to the United States. After World War II the family returned to Winchester, Kentucky and Helen graduated from Winchester High School.
Helen attended Westhampton College (Class of 1951) in Richmond, Virginia. She loved to joke that she almost went to Duke but a picture of a lake convinced her that Westhampton was the best choice. During her college years, Helen Clark met a University of Richmond football player named Dick Hensley. Helen and Dick fell in love and a marriage of 60 years ensued.
Helen and Dick lived in Winchester, Kentucky; Fork Union, Virginia; Chatham, Virginia; Roanoke, Virginia and in Dick’s hometown of Martinsville, Virginia. In each of these cities Dick served as a football coach and Helen enjoyed being "the proud wife of a coach." Helen resided in Martinsville for 55 years and loved living in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Her favorite activities included her 60-year membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Book and Arts Club, supporting Martinsville High School and Carlisle School, attending First Baptist Church, listening to Broadway show tunes, taking photographs of family and adding the photos to her large collection of scrapbooks, and talking in person and on the phone with friends and family. Helen had a special connection with her sister Joyce and they spent countless hours talking and laughing.
Helen was a devoted mother. She provided love and support throughout the lives of her four children. Helen cherished and appreciated any updates about the lives and adventures of her children and grandchildren. If the latest news was either an achievement or a challenge, her typical response was to express unconditional love and pride.
Helen was preceded in death by her father Dr. Garland “Judge” Clark, mother Elizabeth Davies Clark, brother George Clark, and husband David “Dick” Hensley, Jr. Surviving Helen are her sister Joyce Johnson (Billy) of DeLand, Florida, son Colonel David Hensley (Susan) of DeLand, Florida, daughter Elizabeth Gordon of Richmond, Virginia, son Jonathan Hensley (Betsy) of Raleigh, North Carolina, and daughter Dr. Mary Helen Hensley of Athlone, Ireland. Also surviving Helen are her granddaughters Lauren (Matt), Julia, Jemma, and Jada; and grandsons Tyler (Rachel), Max, and Jack. Additional family members surviving Helen include her sisters-in-law Grace Taylor and Peggy Herring, her five great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
The visitation, funeral service and reception will be held at First Baptist Church on Wednesday, May 20th. Visitation with the family will be from 12:30 pm to 1:45 p.m. with the funeral service following at 2 p.m. A reception will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Martinsville. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 23 Starling Avenue, Martinsville, Virginia 24112.
McKee-Stone Funeral Home, Martinsville, Va. is serving the family. To express condolences online, please visit www.collinsmckeestonemartinsville.com
