John Charles Hensley Jr.

John Charles Hensley Jr. (known to family as “Jr.” and to many others as “Big John”) was born in Shreveport, LA on April 28, 1966 to Ida Vance Hensley and John Charles Hensley Sr.  John Jr. was introduced to Christ from the beginning of his life and accepted The Lord at an early age.  He had a life-long love for God, but after experiencing the ups and downs of life, he felt called to rededicate his life to God and be baptized at Shady Grove UMC. 

 John Jr. grew up primarily in Mansfield and attended school in Desoto Parish.  He became a truck driver and (like his father and grandfather) spent most of his life working in the logging industry. He met and married Ruby Jackson Hensley.  They were blessed with two children:  DeQuetta Jackson and Jonathan Hensley.  They also have one grandson--JaHaven.

Throughout John Jr.’s life, he was known to be an avid hunter and outdoorsman.  He killed his first deer at the age of 12 and his last one a few weeks before his death.  When given his choice of activities, his preference was:  to be in a deer stand waiting for that big buck, to be exploring the woods and enjoying country living, or to be spending time with family and friends.

John Jr. was called into his eternal rest on January 14, 2021.  He is preceded in death by his grandparents:  Bessie and Willie Hensley and Katie and Saul Vance Sr.; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, and other relatives.  He leaves to mourn him: parents (Ida and John Hensley Sr.); wife--Ruby Jackson Hensley; son--Jonathan Hensley; daughter--DeQuetta Jackson; grandson--JaHaven Jackson; sisters--Felicia “Lisa” Hensley-Whitaker and LaKisha “Kisha” Hensley; ‘brother”/cousin--Dwight Hensley (Garland); numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, god-children, relatives, and friends.

A Memorial Service celebrating the life of John C. Hensley Jr. will be held at 1pm on Saturday,  January 23, 2021 in the parking lot of Shady Grove UMC--Mansfield.

[Masks and social distancing are required!]

No public repast will occur due to the pandemic and concerns for the health of all. 

The family appreciates your love and prayers and reminds everyone to put safety first.

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