Shirley May Hensley

Shirley May Hensley, 86, of Ransom, KY passed away Friday; January 9, 2026 at the Pikeville Medical Center.  Born July 1, 1939 in Logan, WV, she was the daughter of the late Emzea and Dessie Sergeant Browning. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charley Burnes Hensley; a son, John Henry Hensley; 2 sisters, Mildred Harden and Sara Ledford; and 1 brother, Emzea Browning. 

Shirley was a homemaker and a Christian, being baptized and taking membership at the Mouth of Joe’s Creek Church of Christ.  In her younger days, Shirley loved to skate and bowl.  She also enjoyed doing plastic canvas, painting, quilting, and singing.  She was very active in the Blackberry/McCarr Senior Citizens Center.  She loved her family and considered her friends as family.  Over the years, she has been a mother to many. 

Survivors include her children, Richard Avery (Christine) Hensley of Maiden, NC, Charley “Chuck” Burnes (Lillie) Hensley of Vulcan, WV, and Pamela Lynn (George) Dotson of Ransom, KY; a brother, Tommy Browning of Switzer, WV; her grandchildren, Richard Avery (Stephanie) Hensley Jr., David Alan (Angie) Hensley, Matthew Lewis Hensley, James Lee (Dezarie Sara) Robinette, Mike (Cassie) Dotson, John Henry Hensley, Sara Lynn Hensley, Maya Nicole McClanahan, Emily Elizabeth Hensley, Ryland Dean McClanahan, and Aubree Lacy McClanahan; 11 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other family and friends. 

Funeral services will be held Monday; January 12, 2026 at 1:00 pm at the Hatfield Funeral Chapel at Toler, KY with her grandson, Mike Dotson, speaking.  Burial will follow in the Family Cemetery at Old House Branch; Ransom, KY with family and friends serving as pallbearers. 

Visitation will be from 12:00 pm until the start of service Monday at the funeral home.

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