Norma J. Hensley

Norma Jean Hensley, 88, of Galesburg, Illinois, died peacefully at home surrounded by her family at 2:40 a.m. on Saturday, December 28, 2024.

Norma was born August 15, 1936 in Church Hill, Tennessee, the daughter of Earl E. and Rebecca K. (Woods) Long. After graduating high school Norma married Shields Hensley on December 24, 1955 in Gate City, Virginia. Surviving is her husband of 69 years, Shields of Galesburg; their two children, Shirley Watters and Wayne (Denise) Hensley both of Galesburg; four grandchildren, Rebecca (Blake) Rappenecker, Kyle (Alicia) Watters, Matthew Hensley, and Jacob Hensley; and three great grandchildren, Lily, Emma, and Payton. Norma was preceded in death by her parents.

While raising the children, Norma stayed at home. She later worked at Helen and Meads in Galesburg and St. Mary’s Square Living Center. She was a longtime devoted member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Galesburg. Norma and Shields enjoyed walking together whether it was at the mall or outside. They frequently traveled around the United States especially to Branson, Missouri and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Her favorite destination was Pigeon Forge, Tennessee where she enjoyed shopping.

Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Knoxville Cemetery, Knoxville, Illinois. A luncheon will follow at the Thomas Legacy Center. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Church of the Nazarene or to Hospice Compassus.