Mary Ann Hensley

Mary Ann Hensley, age 80 of Porterville, California passed away December 12, 2021.

Mary Ann was born in Porterville, California on November 24, 1941. She attended school here with her two sisters and brother. She graduated from Porterville High School.

She then attended Fresno State University and received her degree in Early Childhood Development. Mary Ann married Donald Ray Hensley on August 19, 1962. Mary Ann had the opportunity to teach in many different locations while Don was in the Army and Civil Service. She taught in Washington DC, Georgia, Missouri and Indiana. In 1968 while Don was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood in Rolla, Missouri, Mary Ann gave birth to William Douglas. During Don’s next assignment at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis, Indiana, Marlene Ann was born in 1970.

In 1975 Don and Mary Ann moved to Kansas, Oklahoma. While here Mary Ann and Don were house parents to many children. She was also a teacher where she had a positive impact on the souls and minds of her students.

In 1988 Don and Mary Ann moved back to Porterville where she continued teaching as a Reading Specialist for Westfield and Belleview Elementary. In 2010 Mary Ann retired from teaching but continued to assist as a substitute teacher for 4 years.

In her retirement Mary Ann and Don enjoyed traveling to the coast and mountains.

Mary Ann is preceded in death by her parents Leola and Steven Lalanne and her husband Donald Ray Hensley. Mary Ann is survived by her daughter Marlene Hensley (Steve), her son Doug Hensley (Kristi), and her granddaughters Autumn Benton and Adyson Hensley. She is also survived by her siblings Rosalie Pelham, Erma Simms and Danny Lalanne.

Mary Ann will be greatly missed by countless impacted souls. Her faith in the Lord and her love for all was evident to anyone that had the pleasure of meeting her. We are sad to see her go but joyous in knowing that she in a better place.

There will be a small gathering of friends and family at a date to be determined later.