Carol June Henley

Carol June Hardy Henley   Carol June (Hardy) Henley was born in Houston, Texas on December 9, 1938 to the union of Edward J. Hardy Sr. and Fannie (Bradford) Hardy.   Carol was baptized, confirmed and communed into the Catholic faith as an infant and she remained unwavering in her faith throughout her life, reaffirming and taking holy communion until she was called home on Saturday, May 11, 2019.   Carol graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in the class of 1954 at the age of 15, and went on to earn her Bachelors and Masters degrees from Prairie View A&M University in 1959.   In 1964, Carol joined in holy matrimony with Sam Edward Henley Jr., a union that lasted 41 years until his passing in 2005. From this union came two sons: Vincent Gerard Henley and Michael Bernard Henley, a step-son, Tommy Earl Wydermyer, and a god-son, Kerry Joe Beasley who was her constant care-giver until her final days.   After college, Carol became an educator, teaching at Wesley elementary school in the Acres Homes community and later was a well-respected District Administrator for the Gulf Coast Community Services Association in charge of serving the community for 5 states, a career she loved. But, the job she loved the most was being with her “boys” and their many friends who also came to affectionately call her “MaDear”. In fact, after most met her the first time, she was no longer Mrs. Henley, just simply “MaDear”.   Carol was a tall, fierce beauty who’s presence commanded attention when she walked into the room. Her beauty was matched only by her intellect and wicked sense of humor. Carol was well respected in her community and she never met a stranger, in fact, all who started as friends eventually became family.  Carol is preceded in peace, by her husband, Sam E. Henley Jr., parents, Edward J. Hardy Sr and Fannie Hardy; her sister Sebell (Hardy) Kelley; and a granddaughter, Chalaze Henley.   Carol leaves to cherish her memory and continue her legacy: two sons, Vincent Gerard Henley and Michael Bernard Henley; one step-son, Tommy Earl Wydermyer; one god-son, Kerry Joe Beasley; two granddaughters, Rhian Camille Henley and LaCamri Tyler; her brother, Edward J. Hardy Jr.; one sister-in-law, Cecil Royal (Bill); one brother-in-law, Clemmie Henley (Alma); six nieces; six nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.