Obituary

Betty Mae Hensley (Wilson), 76, passed peacefully on March 27, 2025. She was not afraid and was ready to go, telling everyone as much in her last days. She knew this was not death, but a transition, as she talked about being reunited with loved ones, watching over family and helping from the other side when she got there.

She was born to Laura and William H. Wilson in Arcata, California; raised in Henderson, Nevada; and lived most of her life in Las Vegas, Nevada until she stayed with a daughter in Arizona for cancer care.

She is survived and missed by her two daughters and son-in-law, Tesha Hensley-Brown (TJ Brown) of Gilbert, AZ and Jennifer Hensley of Monterey, CA; two grandchildren; her brother Bill (Polly) Wilson of Henderson, NV; and nieces and nephews.

For her two daughters, Tesha and Jenn, she was the one to call for encouragement, advice, and all the “mama questions” that a child asks their mom, no matter their age. Side-splitting laughter was usual when the three of them were together. Betty was optimistic, strong, courageous, and always loving and kind. She taught her daughters about morals; doing the right thing even when no one is watching and making choices you will always be proud of. Through her long battle with Vestibular Migraine (VM) she taught them about patience and compassion. Her life taught them about taking opportunities as they arise, never knowing what tomorrow could bring, and to always look for the silver lining. Her strength and resilience were a testament to her courage in the face of adversity. Betty was affectionately known as “Mama Hensley” to her daughters’ childhood friends and “Grams” to her grandchildren.

Betty was a graduate of Basic High School (’66) and often shared many fond memories about her life growing up in small-town Henderson. Her audience would sit enraptured as she told stories of a simpler time with all the flare of the true storyteller she was. She worked for Reynolds Electrical & Engineering Co (REECo) in Las Vegas for over 23 years in the areas of personnel and labor relations for the Nevada Test Site before her VM condition drastically changed her life path. She always expressed great fondness and appreciation for her wonderful and generous REECo family.

Her limited mobility in life would have her find comfort in other things such as crocheting, reading, enjoying British television shows, and spending time with family. She enjoyed word puzzles and was a fierce competitor on “Words with Friends”, where she often had dozens of games going at once and sometimes opened with such a stunning score her opponents would resign the game. She was very intelligent and her sharp mind loved reading and keeping up with current events.

While staying in Arizona, she loved hearing about the day-to-day lives of her grandchildren, celebrating in their triumphs and watching them grow.

She is preceded in death by her parents and two brothers and sister-in-law, Laurence and John (June) Wilson.

Her family would like to thank the staff at Hospice of the Valley and Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center for their compassionate care and support.

A private service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to Banner Health Foundation: Home Away from Home program in Betty’s memory are welcome.