Mary Jane Henley

Mary Jane Eckles Henley, 86, died at home in the early morning hours on Sunday, June 14, 2015. She was born in Jackson, MS, on August 11, 1928. She graduated from Central High School in 1946, and attended Mississippi State College for Women, the University of Maryland, and graduated from Ole Miss. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority and was chosen as the White Rose of Sigma Nu Fraternity at Ole Miss. On October 19, 1951, she married the love of her life, Paul Henley in Jackson, where they lived all of their married years. First Presbyterian Church of Jackson was an important part of her life, where she lovingly served in many capacities. In 1996, she was awarded the Women in the Church Lifetime Membership Award. After all four of her children were married, she began to paint watercolor and drew much inspiration from her love of flowers. She loved being a member of the Jackson Watercolor Group, Gaddis Group, and Mississippi Watercolor Society, which encouraged her painting and gave her much pleasure.

Mrs. Henley, “Mom” to many, was precious to all who knew her. Her love for her Savior was evident in the way she lived her life and in how she treated others. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother as she exemplified the Proverbs 31 woman and was referred to by her dear husband as the “Pearl of Great Price.” She showed her faith and humility not only through her actions, but also through her dedication to unceasingly pray for others, becoming known as a true “prayer warrior.” She ministered to countless missionaries and friends all over the world through her handwritten letters and encouraging words. Although she will be greatly missed, she leaves behind an unmeasurable spiritual impact and legacy for all to follow. We know that heaven rejoiced when she entered its gates, and she is now singing with all the saints as she joins family and friends.

Mrs. Henley was preceded in death by her father, William Gilbert Eckles; her mother, Jane Figg Eckles; and her sister, Betty Eckles Griffin. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, J. Paul Henley, and her children James Paul Henley, Jr. (Kathy), Janie Henley Davis (Arthur), Holly Henley Story (Danny), and Nan Henley Dear (Glen). She is also survived by her grandchildren Mary Jane Davis Meyer (Greg), Arthur Davis, Paul Davis, J. P. Henley, Caroline Maye Henley, Sarah Story Dean (Paul), Emily Story Saxton (Grant), Janie Story, Maryanna Story, Mary Alice Dear, Betsy Dear Nicholson (Chandler), Jameson Lee Dear and her great-grandson, Grey Meyer. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law, brother-in-law and many nieces and nephews.

The visitation will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Jackson on Tuesday, June 16, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and Wednesday, June 17, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. The funeral will follow the visitation at the church on Wednesday at 11:00.

Our family would like to thank Hospice Ministries, Stephanie Brister, and LaShunda Haymon for their loving care they gave our mom and the family members and friends who have loved and supported us.

Memorials may be sent to the missions department at First Presbyterian Church, Reformed Theological Seminary, and French Camp Academy as these were very dear to her heart.