Emogene "Jean" Hensley, age 95, of Ft. Myers, Florida, passed away on Thursday, March 30, 2023.  She was born in Rolla, Missouri, on January 8, 1928, daughter of the late William Everett and Isa Josephine (Blankenship) Hopkins.

Jean was a graduate of Iberia High School.  In 1944, she moved with her friend to St. Louis and were members of the greatest generation, during WWII. She contributed to the war effort by working at a manufacturing plant that produced bombs, where her job was to solder wires.  After the war Jean was united in marriage to Gerald Owen Hensley on July 26, 1946, in St. Louis.  In 1952, they moved to Overland Park, Kansas, where they owned and operated Overland Trucking Inc. for 36 years.  Throughout their retirement, Jean and Gerald took pleasure in cross-country traveling in their motor home before settling in Ft. Myers, Florida in 2011.

Jean was the definition of kindness who always welcomed the company of her family and friends. She took great pride in her flower garden and cherished the quiet beauty of her home.  Jean had a love for her little dogs, especially her poodles.  She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and making many beautiful ceramic items.  Jean was an example of Christ's love to all that knew her and a devoted follower of the Baptist Church.

She is survived by her daughter, Pamela Jean DeTrou of Ft. Myers, FL; her granddaughter, Dawn (O.R.) Freesen; two step grandchildren, Lisa DeTrou and Dirk (Karen) DeTrou; one great-grandson, Michael Britten; three step great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Spanfelner, Julia Spanfelner, and Ella DeTrou; and numerous family and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Gerald Owen Hensley, she was also preceded in death by her son-in-law, Don Valgene DeTrou.

Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m., with services immediately following at 11 a.m., on Friday, April 14, at Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Iberia with Bro. Roy Bryant officiating.  Interment will be held in Hickory Point Cemetery near Iberia.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Hickory Point Cemetery.