Teresa Sue Henson, 72, of Morganton, NC passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 28, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Morganton on September 15, 1952, she was the daughter of the late Dalsur “Dan” Auburn Penley and Carrie Lee Suttle Penley. Teresa was raised at the NC Baptist Children’s Home in Thomasville, NC and graduated from Thomasville High School where she was very active in sports. She had a 30-year career in the medical field between Broughton Hospital and Grace Hospital as a phlebotomist. She also served as a referee for Burke County Recreation Sports for 25 years. She was a member of Missionary Ridge Baptist Church and had a deep love for the children’s ministry there.
Surviving is her son Clay Henson and wife, Jessica; grandchildren, Carter, Parker, and Bella Henson; brothers, Roy Penley (Amy), Lewis Penley (Cindy), Richard Penley (Ashley), and Jay Suttles; sisters, Joy Oakley, Sandy Penley, Lou Ann Cranford, and Janet Carswell; the Suttle Family; Albert Suttle (Shelly), Pam Long (Mike), Kim Barclay (Tom), and Tira Duckworth (Shawn); former husband, Wendal Henson, Sr.; as well as her special friends Lori Woody, Joyce Lawson, and Lisa Henson.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m., Sunday, August 31, 2025 at Missionary Ridge Baptist Church. The funeral will be held at 3 p.m. in the church with Rev. Darren Browning officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Children’s Ministry at Missionary Ridge Baptist Church, 5612 John Watts Road, Morganton, NC 28655.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Leave a tribute for Teresa Sue Henson.
Clay I'm sorry to hear of the passing of Teresa, we had alot of fun time together at the hospital and away from the hospital. I know she told you about them. She would call me sister. I loved Teresa she'll be missed but we have her memories. God bless you and your family. ❤️
I was a classmate of Teresa's from grade 1-12 in Thomasville,NC I will always remember her being a good friend. She was beautiful inside and outside. My condolences to her family .
I grew up with Teresa and her siblings at Mills Home in Thomasville, NC and she was also one of my roommates during my senior year there. Teresa had a bubbly and warm personality and was always upbeat and happy. We shared so many great times together both on and off of campus on trips. I will forever cherish the fun memories we made during all of those years. Teresa had a great personality and a fun sense of humor. She was one of those special people as we say, (if you knew her you loved her). I will forever cherish the memories, love and friendship we shared. To her family, may God wrap his loving arms around you and may you find much peace and comfort as you celebrate a life well lived. RIP my sweet sister until we meet again.
My sincere condolences to the Penley and Henson families. Another of our Mills Home siblings has gone home to Eternity. She will not be alone; we have many siblings in heaven already. Our hearts are all broken, and our prayers and thoughts are with the biological families as you lose a loved one from your inner circle. May you feel the strength of God's strong arms as you seek His comfort at this very sad time. We all can't be there with you in person, but out broken hears are all united as you lay Teresa to rest. May God's comfort provide the strength you need. Love to all.
My condolences to the family. We grew up at Mills Home together. I remember when we both liked the same boy and she won his heart. She was bubbly and fun to be around.
I remember when Teresa came to the Children's Home. She was a awesome person and a beautiful young lady. She was loved by all. I will remember and love as long as I am here. May God be with you all.
Thank you for always being there for me and being my prayer warrior. I will forever be grateful for your friendship.
I am so sorry for your loss Heaven has another Precious Angel Sandy and family in my prayers