Elbert Hensley, Jr.

A Life Well Lived

On December 19, 1958, Elbert Hensley, Jr. was born to the late Elbert Hensley, Sr. and the late Ruthiea L. Williams.  Reared by the both of them would propel Elbert into a life that would leave a legacy and touch the hearts of many.  God gifted and blessed Elbert at a young age and his love for God began at St. Mark CME church.

It was at Pampa High School that sparked Elbert’s musicianship where he played the piano for the choir and band. After graduating from Pampa High School he later attended college at West Texas State University and later Texas A&M University-Commerce (formerly East Texas State University.)  He became the musician for The New Birth Chorale traveling internationally. While playing for New Birth, Elbert founded his true love, The Hensley Ensemble.  While perfecting his group, Elbert also became the Minister of Music at several churches beginning with the New Hope Baptist Church and Bethlehem Baptist Church both in Greenville, Texas. God later called Elbert to the Goodwill Baptist Church in Dallas, TX where he served faithfully until God called him to his heavenly home.

 

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto the Lord.” Colossians 3:16

The Hensley Ensemble has been blessed with the ability to deliver beautiful melodies and harmonies that exude the splendor and brilliance of music to it fullness. This music ministry comprised of singers and musicians from the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex which have been compared to gospel mainstays such as The Richard Smallwood Singers for their classical/traditional sound as well as The Kurt Carr Singers for their contemporary/traditional style that showcases the full range of vocals possessed by this versatile group.  Founded more than 25 years ago at Texas A&M University-Commerce, TX (ETSU), The Hensley Ensemble is committed to the clarion call of this powerful ministry they’re blessed to have. Not only is this ministry gifted musically, but also they are strong believers in the power of God and His ability to use them as vessels in this medium of gospel music to reach out to all that God would make available to them. Besides the various ministry opportunities that have come through singing in many local houses of worship throughout the USA, there have been many doors opened to the Hensley’s as they’ve won 1st place in three gospel competitions namely the Dallas Black Expo, Houston New Artist Showcase, and most recently the John Wiley Price Kwanzaa Gospel Fest. They have had the opportunity to work with the likes of gospel Greats; Angela Spivey, Carolyn Traylor, Beverly Crawford, Yolanda Adams,  Vanessa Bell-Armstrong, Kathy Taylor, Tommye Young-West, Rick Bernard James, Byron Cage, Richard Smallwood, the late Ricky Womack, God’s Property, Gaye Arbuckle and opened up for The Neville Brothers, to name a few.  As well, the group is a National Recording Artist and have recorded 2 CDs. Elbert will definitely be missed tremendously.

 

Although Elbert Jr. will be desperately and greatly missed he leaves a legacy behind with those whose hearts he has had the opportunity to touch.  We cannot measure the warmth, kindness, and gentleness of spirit by what we witness. His easy going, giving heart, and loving-kindness will remain with us all.  Elbert is preceded in death by his father Elbert Hensley, Sr., his mother Ruthiea L. Williams (Morgan), Uncle O.D. Baggett, Aunt Osie Mae Baggett, Grandmother Ocie Marion.  He leaves to cherish his memory several siblings: Bernard Hensley Sr.(Maria), Stanley Williams(Rita), Ronald S. Williams, Charles Hensley, Rev. Joey Baggett-Hensley, Cheryl Hensley, Rory Baggett-Hensley, Rev. Gregory Hensley, Lynda Stanley(Felton), Clinton McDonald, step-mother Jewel Hensley, a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces & nephews, cousins, and many friends.