She retired from Phillips Consumer Electronics Co. (Magnavox) after 42 years of service.
Mrs. Hensley attended First Church of God as long as her health permitted. She previously attended Calvary Baptist Church.
It was noted that her greatest joy was her family. She also enjoyed gardening, working outdoors, quilting and needlework. In addition, she enjoyed shopping and traveling.
Survivors include a son, Terry Hensley and Judy Hoskins of Knoxville; three daughters and a son-in-law: Pam Hensley Neely, Mitzi Hensley and Mike Atkinson, all of Knoxville, and Tina Hensley of the home; three grandchildren: Alex Atkinson and wife, Meredith, Mira Neely Bright and husband, Henry, Mathew Neely and Summer Walker; two great grandsons: Carson and Joseph Bright; a great granddaughter: Baby Neely (due in September), all of Knoxville; a brother and sister-in-law: Marvin and Sue Bowman of Greeneville; sister-in-law: Jane Bowman; brother-in-law: Dearl House; and her extended family including four generations of nieces and nephews.
She was the daughter of the late Lacy and Kate Ware Bowman and was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Estel Hensley; three brothers and two sisters-in-law: Cecil and Grace Bowman, Kenneth Bowman, Eugene and Dollie Marie Bowman; and two sisters and three brothers-in-law: Ella Mae House, Virginia Massey Shehan, Billy Massey and Jack “Buck” Shehan.
The family will receive friends 5-7 pm Thursday at Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home.
Follow visitation, the funeral service will be held at 7 pm in the funeral home chapel. Rev. Doyle Pruett and Rev. Nathan Leasure will officiate.
Interment will be 11 am Friday at GreeneLawn Memory Gardens. Family and friends are asked to meet at 10 am Friday at the funeral home to go in procession to the cemetery for the committal service.
Pallbearers will be Henry Bright, Billy Bowman, Mike Atkinson, Alex Atkinson, Matthew Neely and Dalton Wade.
The family wished to express a special thanks to Dr. Elliott Smith and staff, the staff of Caris Hospice, and to Helga Binek.
