HILDA V. HENSLEY
1916 - 1998
Hilda Hensley was a mother first and foremost.
She was not my mother, but she never objected
to me calling her 'mom'.
She is Patsy Cline's mother. Also mother to
Sam and Sylvia. I had the rare opportunity to
meet this selfless lady ~~ and a lady she was ~~
my first time in Winchester. We connected
immediately and a significant friendship began.
She cared deeply for her children. Naturally,
she felt a terrible loss when one of them was
taken home prematurely. Even as someone on
the outside, I saw an obvious hole in her heart
from the loss. Patsy and her were a team. She
would mourn her death until she herself would
join Patsy. Hilda, with the help of Sylvia,
created a foundation in Patsy's name to offer
scholarships for deserving young people seek-
ing musical careers. Through her memories I
was able to see Patsy like no movie script ever
could let you see her.
Hilda was extremely caring. That is what set
her apart. She was always there when I need-
ed an ear to listen to me; and there for advice,
musically and personally. Even when she was
tired and, later, when ill, she took time to knit
special items for the annual fan gathering in
Winchester to celebrate Patsy Cline.
On her passing on December 10, 1998 a part
of me, and I am sure a part of all who knew
Hilda, went along with her. It was an honor to
know her and to be welcomed into her home as
one of her own.
She was Patsy Cline's mother. She was dear
to me. She was.
Remembered now and always,
James Gibbons |
