Dolores Janice Henson

Dolores Janice Frady Henson, age 84, of Haywood County, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 25, 2025, at Haywood Regional Medical Center.

Born on December 31, 1940, to the late Hugh Jay and Marie Powell Frady, Janice was a devoted educator and a pillar of her community. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Charles W. Henson. She was preceded in death by her son, David Charles Henson.

Janice's commitment to education was lifelong and impactful. After graduating from Bethel High School in 1959, she earned a Bachelor's in History and English from Winthrop College in 1963. The following year, she completed a Master's in Education with a concentration in History from UNC-Chapel Hill. She remained dedicated to expanding her knowledge throughout her career, taking numerous renewal courses at Appalachian State University, Western Carolina University, and Haywood Technical College. For 32 years, she served as a secondary teacher at Waynesville Township High School, Tuscola High School, and Pisgah High School. She also taught in the night program at Haywood Technical College, influencing countless lives with her spirit and passion for learning.

Her service extended well beyond the classroom. A faithful believer, she was an active member of Spring Hill Baptist church and, before that, a member of Bethel United Methodist Church. Janice served as the organist, was a member of the choir, and participated on the building committee and administrative council. She was an active member of the Haywood Business and Professional Women's Club, where she held leadership roles as President, Vice President, Secretary, and Chairman of the Scholarship Committee. She was also a secretary for Delta Kappa Gamma, an International Honorary Teachers Society, and was a member of the North Carolina Education Association and the National Education Association. Her community involvement included serving on the board of directors for the Haywood Friends of the Library, and she was a past member of the National English Association, the NC English Teachers Association, the National Council for Social Studies, and the NC Council of Social Studies.

Janice truly made a difference in the lives of all she touched, leaving a legacy that will be cherished by her family, former students, and community.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Wells Funeral Home in Canton, with the Reverend Matt Rhea officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 12:30 p.m. Burial will follow the services at Spring Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Janice's memory to Spring Hill Baptist Church or the Haywood County School Foundation for Pisgah High School.

The pallbearers will be Michael Lyerly, Jill Baker, Walter Denning, Joe Dotson, Eddie Lowe, and David Conrad.

Wells Funeral Home of Canton is honored to serve the Henson family during this time of loss.