Emma Jean Hensley

EMMA JEAN TILLMAN HENSLEY, 91, of Metter, and widow of James C. Hensley, died Monday morning, January 18, 2021. Born in Toombs County, she was the daughter of Leighton Everette Tillman and Tommy Bell Coleman Tillman. The Tillman family moved from Vidalia to Metter in the 1930’s and began attending the Metter Methodist Church. On May 16, 1937, Jean joined the church and remained a faithful servant to her church congregation for over 75 years until she became homebound. Throughout her lifetime, she served her church in many capacities, including singing in her beloved Methodist Church Choir. In 1999, she was honored with the church “Family of the Year” award, and in 2007, the “Unsung Hero” award, “in recognition and gratitude for years of behind-the-scene service and dedication to Metter United Methodist Church.”

A mutual and dear friend, James M. Jones, of Metter, first introduced Jean to the love of her life, James Hensley. The couple wed on May 29, 1949. Jean remained a devoted wife to James until his passing, in 2008. In addition to her husband and parents, Jean is preceded in death by her brother, Leighton Everette Tillman, Jr.

Jean is survived by her son, Jim Hensley, daughter, Jerri (Gregg) Wolff, grandchildren, Thomas Wolff, Angela (Bryan) Gibson, J. B. (Alex) Hensley, Michael Wolff, John Mitchell (Coley Pope) Hensley, and a very special great granddaughter, Aria Carobell Gibson.

A private family graveside service will be held Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. at Lake Cemetery.

Jean was a lover of all creatures, great and small. For this reason, the family would like to ask that, in lieu of flowers, remembrances be made to Metter Animal Shelter, City of Metter, PO Box 74, Metter, Georgia, or to her beloved Metter United Methodist Church, 30 W. Lillian Street, PO Box 595, Metter, Georgia.

Kennedy-Brannen Funeral Home of Metter, Georgia is in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Emma Jean Tillman Hensley.