Gladys Church Hensley

Gladys Church Hensley, 89, of Nebo, North Carolina, passed away Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at her home surrounded by her loved ones.

She was born in McDowell County on May 4, 1933 to the late Vick Church and Hannah Williams Church.

Gladys worked in the cafeteria at Nebo Elementary School for 21 years where she was affectionately known as “Mamaw Gladys.” She was known to keep extra money on hand so the kids could get extra food. She was a devoted pastor’s wife and a member of Redeemed Free Will Baptist Church. She taught Junior Girls Sunday School for a number of years. Gladys enjoyed working in her garden and taking trips to Tennessee. She was an avid fan of the UNC Tarheels.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Pastor Tommy Hensley; son, Steven Hensley; and all four of her siblings.

She is survived by four children, Mike Hensley (Freda), Vicky Styles (Teddy), Theresa Beam, and Janet Mabe; eight grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; goddaughter, Linda Robinson (Perry); and her special cousins who were more like brothers and sisters, Frank Williams, Ray Williams, Ann Vance, and Joyce Hawkins.

The family will receive friends on Monday, April 10, 2023 from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. at Beam Funeral Service. A funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Jerry McClain and Pastor Colby Davis officiating. Burial will be at Chapel Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.