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Genell Holtzclaw Henson passed May 11, 2026. Born November 8, 1928 in Cliffside, NC, she married Grady Lee Henson of Harris in 1947. Genell joined Grady in Panama where he was stationed after his service in WW2.
She cared for her children Michael and Lavon while Grady served in Korea, then they were stationed as a family in Augsburg and Ulm Germany.
Eventually, returning to Forest City, Genell began a long career in nursing at Rutherford Hospital. Genell loved talking about all the babies she helped deliver, including her first grandchild. She continued her work as a Home Care nurse for many years.
Genell was a long-time member of Chase Baptist Church.
Genell is preceded in death by her parents, Hubert Holtzclaw and Lola Toms Holtzclaw Pruitt, her husband Grady Henson, her second husband TJ Parker, sisters Margaret Beam, Hazel Bagwell, and brothers Henry, Albert and Frank Holtzclaw.
She is survived by her sister Betty Phillips (Tommy), son Michael Henson (Carla), daughter Lavon Melton (Doug), grandchildren Michelle Walldorff, Jennifer Melton, Lee Melton (Melissa), Randy Henson (Donna), Leslie Henson (Jeff), great-grandchildren Zachary Walldorff, Greyson Walldorff (Taylor), Hadley Walsh, Sutton Walsh, Haylee Henson, Randie Beth Henson, Marlowe Melton, Maddyn Melton, Gibson Melton, and great-great-grandchildren, Vincent and Beckham Walldorff.
The funeral was held May 18 at Chase Baptist Church with Rev. Scott Butler officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Chase Baptist Church (1725 Harris Henrietta Rd., Mooresboro, NC 28114).
An online guest registry is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com
Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.
