Jeanne Hensley
Jeanne Norman Hensley, age 94, of Marion passed away to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Autumn Care of Marion.
Jeanne was born March 9, 1931, in McDowell County to the late Jefferson Clifton “J.C.” Norman and Vessie Brooks Norman. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years until his death in 2004, Al Hensley; her loving grandson, Eleck Hensley, who passed away in 2014; four brothers, Winford, Tom, Wayne, and J.C. Norman; five sisters, Marcia Reese, Arlene Greene, Mildred Norman, Betty Moody (Leonard), and Marietta Ross (Tom); and a special brother-in-law, Ronnie Hensley, who was like a son to her.
Jeanne attended Clinchfield elementary, graduated from Marion High School in 1949 and attended Clevengers Business School in the 60’s. Jeanne and her husband, Al, owned the pool hall on East Court Street, back in the 60’s and early 70’s, and McDowell Tire and Recapping (now McDowell Tire) in the 70’s. Older adults today still recall fond memories at the pool hall, and how they loved Jeanne. She was also a substitute teacher for a number of years, and loved being with the kids, and they loved her. Most called her ”Mamaw Jeanne.”
Jeanne was a talented singer and piano player. She was a charter member of the Marion Chapter of Sweet Adelines, and was a member of the “Dixie Dreamers Quartet.” Jeanne and her family grew up in Clinchfield Baptist Church, where they sang and played instruments. Jeanne sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, was the church clerk for several years, and directed the GA girls. She left Clinchfield and joined Garden Creek Baptist Church in 2006, but in 2021, she returned to Clinchfield Baptist.
Jeanne was a people person. She loved having her family and friends in her home. She enjoyed playing Rook with her pals, Lois, Sam, Wilda, J.C., Pat, and Ted. They would go to hear music at the Depot and the old House Theater. They all had good times together. Christmas was her favorite time of the year, she loved having parties and neighbors over.
Left to cherish her many memories are her three sons, Ned Hensley (Penny) of Hickory, Gregg Hensley (Marla) of Denver, and Todd Hensley of Mooresville; seven grandchildren, Andrew Hensley (Vanessa), Austin Hensley (Kendal), Preston Hensley (Bethany), Ally Garcia (Oliver), Gracyn Baker (Jacob), Josie Hensley, and Bella Hensley; and ten great grandchildren. Also surviving Jeanne are many nieces (especially Melissa Davis, who helped during her stay at Autumn Care) and her nephews.
She is also survived by two sisters, Loree Poteat and Elaine Kask (Larry Cox); special in-laws, Judy Hensley, Louise Hensley, and Pam Hensley; a special cousin, Pearlene; and special friends, Pat, J.C., and Louise. She had a special friend, Ted Bright, who was in her life for many years, and who was at Autumn Care as well, until his passing in 2023. Ted’s daughter, Susan Bell, and niece, Janet Hughes, also meant the world to Jeanne.
Jeanne will always be remembered for her smile, laughter, and putting others above herself.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at Clinchfield Baptist Church. A funeral service to celebrate Jeanne’s life will follow at 12:00 pm at the church with Rev. Terry Roach. Burial will be at McDowell Memorial Park, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Al.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in Jeanne’s memory are encouraged to consider “The Heart of a Lion” Scholarship fund in memory of Eleck Hensley at McDowell High School, 600 McDowell High School Road, Marion, NC 28752.