Connie B. Hensley

Constance “Star” Brammer HensleyConstance “Star” Brammer Hensley, formerly a resident of Charleston and St. Albans, WV, returned to her heavenly home peacefully after a valiant battle with cancer, on November 25, 2014 at her home in Semmes, AL where she resided for the past 40 years. Her loving family was at her bedside when she departed this earthly dwelling. Her devotion to her family and her firm belief in God supported her in her struggle and ultimately gave her peace.Once diagnosed with cancer, “Star” still had a strong will to live and never give up, she never complained, maintaining a brave and cheerful outlook of an optimistic future – even through countless radiation and chemotherapy treatments, broken bones, X-rays, hospitalizations and pain. Her faith in God never wavered and the love and prayer of family, friends and many supporters helped her make it through the grueling days of pain, she continued to be a part of her family and be involved in their lives, through their daily needs and dramas. Known for her ease in frequent conversation with even total strangers, some may be surprised to learn of the extreme shyness of her youth. Yet even as a child, she possessed a contagious smile and an entertaining sense of humor. Throughout her life she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many, who even now are being changed by her witness of constant nurturing love and faith. Her signature gift of joy, shown through her constant smiling, laughter, and joking around, will never be forgotten.“Star” as she was known to her family and friends was born on August 8, 1945 in Charleston, WV to Leo and June May Brammer, which preceded her in death. “Star” was the youngest of 4 daughters, Janet Watkins (deceased), Sharon Setliff (Glenn) of Fostoria, OH, and Gloria Baire (deceased). “Star” attended various public schools in Kanawha and Putnam Counties WV and graduated from Hurricane High School in Hurricane, WV in 1963. After graduation “Star” went to work for the local newspaper in Charleston, WV as a receptionist, where she worked until 1969, when she met and eventually married Robert Hensley of St. Albans WV on September 15th, 1970. He preceded her in death on March 23, 1993. They were married for 23 blissful years. “Star” was owner and President of Premier Vans in Mobile, AL where their specialty was building and customizing vans, cars and trucks for the handicapped.“Star” had an unwavering faith in God. She was a member of the Jimmy Swaggart Ministries Media Church in Baton Rouge, LA and over the years, she had become very involved with the church and the study of Christ.“Star” helped raise Robert’s two sons with patience, discipline and humility. She helped teach them to read, write and solve complex equations; she was there when they were excited and having a great day or having one of the worst days imaginable. Her children remember her as a kind, gentle, patient, driven mother and grandmother who encouraged them to pursue their goals.Connie was kind and soft-spoken, and always had time to answer a question or solve a problem, no matter how small. She is dearly missed by her loved ones, who celebrate the fact that she is at peace with her creator. “Star” will be especially remembered for her quick wit, spirit of adventure, and the tenaciousness that allowed her to achieve top rankings in many diverse endeavors. “Star” had a smile that would light up a room when she walked in. Family and friends were Star’s passion and delight. “Star” leaves to cherish her memory, her two sons and their wives, Gary and Kathy Hensley and Glenn and Pam Hensley, all of Mobile, AL. grandchildren Glenn (Whitney) Jr., Phillip (Amanda) Hensley, Connie McDaniels and Angela Taylor, all of Mobile, AL. Nieces, Angela Salah of Irving, Texas, Sandy Baire of Chuncula, AL, Dreama Powell (Charles) of Statesboro, GA, Rachael Nicole Watkins of McCormick, SC., Connie Setliff of Fostoria, OH. Nephews, Denny Baire of Chickasaw, AL, Timmy Setliff of Fostoria, OH., Ricky, Ronald and Mark Watkins of Statesboro, GA. “Star” also leaves four great-grandchildren to cherish her memory, Carter, Kaleb, Joshua and Madison Hensley, all of Mobile, AL, as well as other relatives and friends. She also leaves behind two devoted friends, Delores George of Semmes, AL and Deborah Sullivan of Eight Mile, AL.The family will receive friends on Saturday November 29, 2014 from 11am until 12pm; a funeral service celebrating her life will be held at Serenity Funeral Home in Theodore, AL with graveside services to follow. Star will be laid to eternal rest alongside her husband, Robert, where once again, they will be together. Her eldest son, Gary Hensley will officiate the ceremony, he feels that by him performing the services this would be the greatest honor and respect that he could give to his mother. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Constance Star's life. The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support in many heart-felt forms from too many people to name individually, but including: family and friends – either through prayer and/or visits, neighbors, and even random acts of kindness through total “strangers”. The family would like to thank Saad’s Hospice nurses and staff for their efforts, care and dedication in helping make Star’s transition from her earthly dwelling to her heavenly home peaceful and respectful.From here she walks through the valley of the shadow of death.She fears no evil. She waits her turn with each and every breath. She rose from the earth,She will stay the course,And she will do this without remorse.For her soul and spirit is everywhere.The time has come for her to be immortally pleasant,Taken in stride,Both past and present.Walking and talking with angels as they guide her along her way.She looked upon heavenly happily,Because she is there to stay.When we all bid her farewell,She is at rest,And cold to the touch.Do not despair,It does not mean much.Silently she caressed us,And our sorrow.We will feel this with each and every tomorrow.She walked the earth,And enjoyed her stay.God willing she will return one day.How often she gave her all with pride.Things have not changed much now that she has died.A candle's flame now burns brighter now,The torch she left behind must be taken up by us now.Remember her and all that she has done.Take up where she left off,Stay the course,One and all.We will think of Connie,And she will be there,The ponder we give,Will be much more than a stare.Her life was good,Even though it was too short,How can it be like any other?She cherished it so, As did the love she had for family and friends.There will be thoughts that we have of her every now and then,Do not despair,Her heart and thoughts went out to us ll,And boy, did she care.Let the tears we shed, be that of happiness,And not sad.It will be hard ... But try.Remember the strength that Connie had.Our sorrow has been tough,But know this,We are never really apart.Her heart is our heart,Her soul is our soul, Her spirit is our spirit.Her strength is our strength.Love conquers all with each and every endeavor.Believe in her,She will always be with you.Remember her now and forever, For Connie's spirit and soul is everywhere!Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

Tributes

Connie B. Hensley

August 8, 1945 - November 29, 2014