Blanche Irene Little Tensley

Blanche Irene Little Tensley, 89, went home to be with Jesus on Saturday, August 13, 2011 following a period of declining health. She was born in Catawba County on October 17, 1921 and was a daughter of the late Marshall Vance Little and Essie Mae Starnes Little. Mrs. Tensley was a "Mom" to all, loved her animals and gardening, and she crocheted daily. She was a member of Lake View Baptist Church.Surviving are sons, John Henry Tensley, III and wife, Christine of Connelly Springs, Lawrence Tensley and Terry Ray Tensley both of Morganton; daughters, Melba Delores Greene and husband, Edgar, and Tonia Gail Cook and husband, Jackie Ray all of Valdese, Janice Hamby and husband, Billy Ray of Morganton, Teresa Ann Miller and husband, Charles of Hickory, and Debbie Mae Branch and husband, John of Drexel; nineteen grandchildren; forty-two great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.In addition to her parents, Blanche was preceded in death by her husband, John Henry Tensley, II; son Richard Tensley; and brother, Harold Little.Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 16, 2011 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Clyde Adams officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church Cemetery, Hickory, NC. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 12:00 until 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.