Sylvia Henson Bohanon

Sylvia Henson Bohanon, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away at her home on Friday, March 28, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on May 5, 1946, in Wilmington, North Carolina to the late Hoyle J. Henson and Annie Mae Holmes Henson. Sylvia spent her childhood growing up alongside her brother, the late Jack Henson, and her beloved cousins in Shallotte, North Carolina, where her lifelong love of the Carolina coast began. Sylvia attended college at UNC Pembroke and the University of Lynchburg where she obtained a degree in Elementary Education. She then went on to obtain a Masters in Supervision and Administration from Longwood University. It was during her time at Pembroke that she met the love of her life Andrew J. Bohanon Jr. Together they settled in South Boston, Virginia where they raised their two children and built a beautiful life, sharing 58 years of marriage filled with love and adventure.
During this time Sylvia dedicated 38 years of her life teaching and serving as a teacher and librarian in the Halifax County Public School System in Virginia, where she touched countless lives with her warmth, wisdom, and passion for learning. Through the years in this community, she and Andrew developed and cultivated lifelong friendships that they still cherish today. As a devoted member of Main Street United Methodist Church in South Boston, Virginia, Sylvia, lived her faith through kindness and generosity, where she never met a stranger, she always found joy in conversations, and loved making those around her feel special.
In recent years, Sylvia and Andrew moved to Youngsville, North Carolina to be closer to their children and grandchildren, who live in Wake Forest. Through their short time in the area, she met and made special memories with friends that she cherished. Sylvia had a lifelong passion for all animals, and her love for her latest fur baby Chase was immeasurable.
Above all, Sylvia cherished her family, and leaves behind her loving husband Andrew, her daughter Nikki Gesell (Nick), and her son, Drew Bohanon (Sarah), and five grandchildren, Lilly, Alaina, Luke, Max, and Colin. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she treasured every moment she spent with them. She is also survived by her brother-law Archie Bohanon, her sister-law Bobbi Bohanon, nieces and nephews Ace, Kimberly, Jeff, Rona, and Rocky, as well as extended family in Shallotte, NC and South Boston, Virginia.
A memorial service to celebrate Sylvia's life will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, April 18 at Main Street United Methodist Church in South Boston, Virginia. She will be deeply missed, but her love, laughter, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to these foundations that were closest to Sylvia's heart. They include Saving Grace Animal Shelter in Wake Forest, NC or your local animal shelter, Glioblastoma Foundation, American Heart Association, and Jane Jones Food Pantry at Main Street United Methodist Church.
Bright Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Bohanon Family.