Pernie C. Hensley

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Pernie C. Hensley, age 86, of Pinckneyville, Ill., passed away on Monday, Dec. 14, 2009 at 6:20 a.m. in Rehab and Care Center of Jackson County, Murphysboro, Ill.

Pernie was born on July 28, 1923 in Tamaroa, Ill., a daughter to Arbie and Sophia (Fisher) Crane. On Aug. 11, 1945, she married J. H. Hensley in Louisville, Ky. with the Army Chaplain officiating and he preceded her in death on Nov. 24, 1982. Pernie was a school teacher at Paradise Prairie for two years, joined the United States Army, serving during WW II and worked at the Veterans Hospital in Louisville, Ky., then was Post Master in Elys, Ky. for seven years. In 1952, she moved back to Pinckneyville, Ill. and worked as a nurse at Pinckneyville Community Hospital from 1952 - 1959. She taught at Pinckneyville Beaucoup School, District 208, District 212, Pinckneyville District 50, was a substitute teacher and taught piano lessons for most of her adult life. Pernie earned a Bachelor's degree from S.I.U. Carbondale, was very involved in Baptist Church organizations over the years, was a member of Southern Illinois Teachers retirement group, Eastern Star, Pinckneyville and Du Quoin American Legions and Pinckneyville and Du Quoin V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliaries.

Pernie is survived by a son, Larry (Alice) Hensley of Johnston City, Ill., a sister, Almeda Reames of Orange City, Fla., 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; four sons, Charles Hensley, John Hensley, Richard Hensley and Alvin Hensley

Funeral services were held at Holts Prairie Baptist Church, Pinckneyville, Ill. on Friday, Dec. 18, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. with Brother Collin Hirsh officiating. Interment was in Holts Prairie Cemetery, Pinckneyville, Ill.

Friends called at Holts Prairie Baptist Church on Thursday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.

Memorials may be made to the Hensley Family.

Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, Ill. was in charge of the arrangements.

For more information or to sign an online guest register, please visit www.pyattfuneralhome.com.