Committal
Sandra Jo Henschen, 66, of Morganton, NC, went home to be with the Lord Monday, June 5, 2023.
Born in Avery County, NC on August 17, 1956, she was the daughter of the late Waitsel Hicks and Willa Mae Thomas Hallyburton.
Sandra was a member of Grace Place. She was a loving wife, mom, and Nana.
She worked for Duke Power and taught school. She retired from Duke Power after 15 years but continued to teach ESL in Caldwell County until she retired with 25 years of service.
Sandra loved children and teaching, and she was gifted in learning different languages. She enjoyed trips to the beach and family vacations to Garden City, SC.
Sandra is survived by her husband, David Henschen; son, Clayton Johnson (Mandi); daughter, Cassandra Reed (James O’Dell); step-son, Chad Henschen; grandchildren, Aydan Johnson, Elijah Johnson, Gavin Johnson, Nicholas Miline, Raven Ann Henschen, Gage Reed, and Logan Reed; honorary grandson, Parker; great-grandson, Waylin Johnson; and honorary daughter-in-law, Sherri.
In addition to her parents, Sandra was preceded in death by a step-father, Ray Hallyburton.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m., Thursday, June 15, 2023 at Grace Place. The memorial service will follow at 3 p.m. in the church with Rev. Joe Barrett officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), 2700 Horizon Drive, Suite 120, King of Prussia, PA 19406.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
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I knew Sandra when I was a young child in the Children's home. She came to visit me on weekends. She was a kind and loving person. She will always be in my heart. So sorry for your loss.
Sandra was our friend, our team mate, and the biggest cheerleader for our English learners in Caldwell County Schools. Her students typically came to her in the beginning years of our ESL program knowing little or no English, but they knew she loved them and they felt comfortable and secure as they learned. She nurtured so many students through the language acquisition process. I remember the pain she felt and the tears she shed for each of their struggles. We all loved her. And we missed her dearly when she had to leave our program due to her illness. She’ll never be forgotten. And those little kids she loved on so much will always remember their “maestra.” Vaya con Dios our sweet friend and colleague.
Sandra was a dear childhood friend. I loved spending time with her. She was bright and had a wonderful smile. Sandra sang at my wedding. RIP dear friend I will see you on the other side.
Where do I begin? Sandra was my mother in law but she was more my mom than anything! She taught me to be the woman I am, to love and cherish family unconditionally ❤️ we all are missing your sweet smile that lights up a room and your understanding and forgiveness every time one of us messed up you was here to pick up the pieces! We will see you again till then keep granny in line and keep cantaloupes away from her! Love always, Sherri
Sandra was such a precious friend. I taught with Sandra at Hudson Elementary. She shared her beautiful smile and kindness with all of us. To David and Sandra’s family I extend my heartfelt sympathy. She was blessed to have you and the care you gave her. I will continue to pray for your comfort, peace and strength. “Peace be with you…”
Sandra is my nana. I grew up with her for most of my early life until her early signs of dementia had appeared. I had seen her less but loved her the same. I miss her greatly. I wish now that I had cherished the time I had with her. I know I was too young to understand it then. However maybe I wouldn’t miss her so much or feel like I’ve missed out on so much. I miss nana. I will always miss her. Dad is hurt by your loss. He misses you. I know he wishes so bad for you to be here. I think we all do. We can’t want to see you nana. It will be some time. So watch over us, and tell granny we all said hey. I love you nana.
I grew up with Sandra, her and her zoom lived beside us and we had some good times! Her Mom was a good friend of my Mother’s, they were like family to us! I’m so very sorry for you tremendous loss! Love Willa Anthony and Genene Cooke
Sandra has been my best friend since I met her in 1977. We got through teaching World History of all things when I was a math teacher and she was a French teacher - we did it together and our bond began. We’ve been through marriage(s), childbirth, sicknesses, and celebrating milestones together - although we lived 5 hours apart! She loved her family dearly, especially those grandchildren - and my son and his friends and cousins loved her dearly. She was always the fun leader during our beach week every year! I’ve missed her greatly for the last few years as her illness took her away from us. But - she’s in heaven now looking for the perfect seashells! And - I will see her again one day - in God’s time! Love you Sandra.
I light a candle in memory of classmate Sandra and give my condolences to the family. God bless. Vanya McElrath
She was my mother my friend and my confidant..I want to remember my mother the way she was not the way she left us.. You will forever be missed loved and remembered Mom..Say Hi to Granny for us..we love you