Jessie Mae (Orders) Hensley

Jessie Mae Hensley, age 89, of Morganton, reunited with her beloved husband, Bascomb "BW" Hensley on Wednesday, October 4, 2023. Jessie was born the daughter of Frank Orders and Eva Hice Orders on November 13, 1933 in Burke County, NC.

Jessie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend to many. She was a wonderful Mother who was always there when we needed her. She very rarely met a stranger and would strike up a conversation with anyone. Jessie believed in working hard to have the things you wanted, and she always had a new project for someone to do. She attempted to retire but went back to work. She finally retired again at the age of 76 from Beo-Care where she worked with her husband. She enjoyed cooking, canning vegetables and pickling cucumbers. She also loved watching baseball, especially the Atlanta Braves. On warmer days, it was guaranteed that you would find BW and her sitting on their front porch watching the birds, rabbits and squirrels. But her passion was her flower beds and rose bushes. She had a “green thumb” and could grow anything!

Along with her parents, Jessie is preceded in death by her husband, BW; three daughters, Karen Robinson, Barbara Davis and Carolyn Gouge; one brother, Wayne Orders and; one sister, Helen Woodard; and two grandchildren, Joy LaValley and Shane Gouge.

Those left behind to cherish Jessie's memory are; three daughters, Melissa Graham (Rick), Clara South (Ben) and Linda Berry-Bates; a son-in-law, Stanley Robinson; a sister Loma Moore; 16 grandchildren, Ronnie Roberts (Gwen), Chad Earp (Paula), Wayne Mayfield (Katie), Calvin Robinson, Ivy Davis, Brandy Davis, Jessica Hensley (Tommy), Raven Ryan (Shaun), Daniel Warlick, Bruce Mayfield (Tammy), Hank Bates, Patrick Robinson, Ashley Toler (Jeremy), Jonathan Gouge, Heidi Deal and Holly Gouge; and numerous great grandchildren. Also surviving are a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm to 2:00 PM on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at Kirksey Funeral Home. A celebration of Jessie's life will follow in Kirksey's chapel with the Pastor Stephen Collins Officiating. Jessie will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery.

Kirksey Funeral Home of Morganton has the honor of serving the family.

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