Gerald E. Hensley

Gerald (Jerry) Edward Hensley, 74, lovingly known as Grandpapi, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2025, in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina surrounded by family.

Born on March 23, 1951, in Los Angeles, California to the late Harold L. and Lorraine P. Hensley, Jerry had a rare gift for lighting up a room-whether with a quick joke, a mischievous prank, or a perfectly timed quip. His humor and warmth made him unforgettable to everyone lucky enough to know him.

Jerry led a life full of adventure and service. After graduating from college and getting his CPA he began his career with the Peace Corps, which allowed him to live abroad in the Marshall Islands. After leaving the Peace Corps, he joined USAID and was stationed in Mauritania, where he met his future wife, Martine Lavialle, a French national. In his charmingly practical way, he convinced her to move back to the US with him because, as he put it, "We're not getting any younger." They married on October 3, 1981, and together they went on to live in Sudan, Santo Domingo, Cameroon, and South Africa before settling in the United States (McLean, Virginia) with their three wonderful children. Jerry and Martine retired and moved to Hilton Head Island in 2021 where they built a beautiful home that is already filled to the brim with memories that will last a lifetime.

Jerry found joy in the simplest pleasures: music of all kinds (the more unusual, the better-check out Tom Waits); time spent in the kitchen grilling meats, making chili, or creating tacos; and especially preparing his legendary Thanksgiving dinners. His oyster stuffing was the stuff of legend - depending on who you ask, it was either amazing or unforgettable in a different way.

He will be remembered most for his unwavering dedication to family, his incredible sense of humor, and his ability to bring light and laughter to any situation. His humor was always well-timed, good-natured, and unforgettable. His warm presence touched the lives of many, and his stories will live on in those who loved him.

Jerry was predeceased by his parents and his brother Rick. He is survived by his beloved wife Martine; his children, Christopher Hensley (fiancée Jen) of Annandale, VA, Lya Mothershead (Eric) of Bethesda, MD, and Karine Feore (John) of Arlington, VA; six adoring grandchildren, Henry, Charlotte, & Archie Mothershead, and Jackson, John, & Patrick Feore; and his sister-in-law Sophia Hensley of Los Angeles, CA, and her children Jonathan Hensley (Hayley) and Julia Hensley (Landon). He will also be remembered by his loyal (and occasionally mischievous) cat, Sancy, who made multiple unsuccessful attempts to trip him.

In keeping with his wishes, Jerry has been cremated, and a private family memorial will be held in Hilton Head.