Georgia Hensley

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - Georgia Hensley, 87, of Cookeville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully in her home on the beautiful morning of Sunday, June 1, 2025. Born on May 27, 1938, in Nashville, Tennessee, to Lester and Willard Brown, Georgia lived a life marked by love, resilience, and devotion to her family, church, and community.

A graduate of Livingston Academy High School, Georgia went on to complete beauty school and worked at Pearl’s beauty shop in Cookeville, before embarking on a remarkable journey with her beloved husband, Captain Ron Hensley, in the Air Force. The couple met in their teenage years at a church youth group and married on June 29, 1963, at the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Cookeville. Their 59-year marriage took them across the United States and abroad, including Texas, Alabama, Missouri, and Okinawa, Japan. In 1975, they returned to Cookeville, where they raised their two sons, Greg and Gary Hensley.

Georgia dedicated 32 years to the Putnam County School System, serving as a secretary and teacher’s assistant at Park View Elementary School. Her warmth and commitment touched the lives of countless students and colleagues. Above all, Georgia cherished her role as “Nana” to her three grandchildren, Garrison, Liberty, and Loveleya Hensley, who brought her immense joy for over 25 years.

Georgia’s love for her family was boundless, and her genuine, contagious spirit fostered deep connections with her many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Those that knew her well always called her Mamie Gene. She found joy in holiday gatherings, gardening, cooking, and the simple pleasures of country life. An animal lover, she often found peace in the outdoors, surrounded by nature’s beauty.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Willard Brown of Hilham, Tennessee; her husband, Captain Ron Hensley of Cookeville and her son, Greg Hensley of Joelton, Tennessee and brother James Brown of Hilham, Tennessee. Georgia is survived by her son, Gary Hensley, her brother, Johnny (Juanita) Brown of Hilham, Tennessee and her grandchildren, Garrison, Liberty, and Loveleya Hensley.

Pallbearers will be Garrison Hensley, Frank Hensley, Wil Hensley, Richard Brown, Bo Woods, Larry Wilmoth, Steven Lafever, and Nicky Formosa.

A service to celebrate Georgia’s life will be held at the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Cookeville on Saturday, June 7, 2025. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM, followed by the service at 3:00 PM, with interment at Crest Lawn Cemetery. A fellowship meal will follow at the church, and all are welcome. Reverend Christian Smith will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family requests monetary gifts be sent to the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Cookeville.

Georgia’s legacy of love, laughter, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

PS - As I write this on the hood of Greg’s truck, I remember it seems like the other day I wrote Dad’s obituary and about six months ago I wrote Greg’s obituary. Now I write yours my sweet, gracious, and giving mom. I’ll never forget you, how could I? You did well. I’ll keep a hot cup of coffee always out for you. I’ll see you again and until then, I love you and I'll be ok, Gary.

Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. You may share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.