Patricia Smith Hensley

Born on May 16, 1934, in Aldie, Loudon, VA, she was the cherished daughter of James Frederick and Eva Katherine Smith. From an early age, she was known as Patsy and possessed a spirit marked by kindness and determination, qualities that would shape a life rich in purpose, devotion, and love. 

Patsy leaves behind her husband Evans Hensley and three children, Diane Rosson (Allan), Susan Phillips (Craig), and David Hensley (Elizabeth), three grandchildren, Chad Rosson, Sarah Phillips-Hooley, and Catherine Phillips-Madrigal and a brother James Smith and countless other family members and dear friends whose lives were forever brightened by her presence. She was preceded in death by a sister Helen Smith Thompson and her parents, who surely welcomed her into the Kingdom with open arms. 

Patsy grew up in Aldie where she graduated from Aldie High School in 1953. After graduation, Patsy took an adventurous path, working and living in the Washington, DC metro area. Later her parents moved to a farm in Culpeper and that would prove pivotal in her life. While visiting her parents, she met the love of life, Evans, and they were married on January 17, 1959, at Crooked Run Baptist Church in Rapidan. 

In Mitchell, Patsy and Evans built a home filled with warmth, laughter and love, reflecting the spirit of Joshua 24:15. She was a devoted mother to her children and a surrogate mother to her grandchildren. She continued her caring nature by becoming a school bus driver and ensuring children’s safe travels every day. She mastered the manual transmission from her school bus driving days and could give a tip to just about anyone on driving a stick. 

At Mitchell, Patsy’s vegetable garden was an inspiration to all who saw it. Her green thumb with flowering and decorative plants was equally amazing. These skills carried forward to the home she and Evans later built in Culpeper, where her marigolds took on a life of their own-bordering every inch of the pathway, overflowing into walkways and beds, and appearing each year with a persistence that only she could manage. This abundance brought joy and a mild annoyance to her many family visitors. 

Whether through service to others, or the simple grace with which she lived each day, Patsy touched many lives. She will be remembered for her Love of the Lord and her family and for the generosity, wisdom, feisty spirit, and quick wit. She loved to listen to, hum along, and sing the old-time hymns. Her encouragement to others to remain humble as instructed by James 4:10 enriched many lives. 

Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we find comfort in the memories Patsy leaves behind—in every shared story, every lesson taught, and every moment of joy. Her life was a gift, and its memory will be a source of comfort and guidance to all who knew and loved her.

Patricia’s Funeral Service will be held at Clore-English Funeral Home, 11190 James Monroe Highway, Culpeper, VA 22701, on May 6, 2026, from 11:00 am followed by a Committal Service at Crooked Run Baptist Church, 7351 N James Madison Hwy, Rapidan, VA 22733, on May 6, 2026, from 12:30 pm.