Hensley, Donna Townley

Donna Sue (Townley) Hensley, of Floyd, passed away peacefully at home with family by her side on Sunday, November 1, 2026. She was born March 29, 1945 in Pulaski, Virginia to James Oren Townley and Ila Frances (Willard) Townley.

She was preceded in death by her parents and older sister, Reba Carolean Smith. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Dempsey L. Hensley; daughters, Christy Hensley and Dawn Hensley-Buzzell (Rick); two grandsons, Galen Hensley-Buzzell and Julian Hensley-Buzzell; sister, Frances Dillon (Max); and brothers, James Townley, Jr., Paul Townley (Anna), and Roger Townley.

Donna graduated from Roanoke Memorial School of Nursing with an RN degree in 1966. She earned her BS degree in Psychology from Ferrum College in 1988. She served in the nursing field for 40 years working in the university/college, hospital, and nursing home settings. She retired in 2007 to focus on her family and passions.

Donna was a talented painter who loved and appreciated all forms of art. Her home is filled with her beautiful paintings. She was an avid lifelong reader and library patron. She always had a book (or many) on hand to read. She was a knowledgeable flower gardener and loved being outside working in her gardens. She found such joy in creating beauty. She loved animals, especially cats and dogs and her many pets over the years. Donna enjoyed volunteering her time at her church’s thrift store in retirement. She enjoyed her work with older adults and passed on her love and appreciation of them and listening to their stories to her children and grandchildren. Most of all, Donna enjoyed being actively involved in the raising of her two grandsons, whom she loved and cherished.

There will be a memorial held for Donna at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local library or humane society in her honor.