She was born on Sept. 28, 1927, in Cocke County, Tenn., in the beautiful foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawton Otis Huff and Hazel Agnes Breeden Huff; and her darling firstborn daughter, Sandra Lee Henley.
She was a graduate of East Tennessee State University, where she earned a degree in education and met her devoted husband of 62 years, Thomas Clancy Henley.
She and Clancy moved to Cleveland in 1949 in order for both to begin teaching careers with the Cleveland City Schools system. She first taught home-bound students before beginning her career as a classroom teacher at Templeton Hill School, where she taught sixth grade for several years.
She later moved to Arnold Elementary School and taught fifth grade for the remainder of her years as a teacher. Her career with the Cleveland City Schools system spanned a period of more than 35 years.
She also taught Sunday school at First Presbyterian Church, where she has been a faithful member for more than 61 years.
She was a member of the Tennessee Education Association and Retired Teachers of Cleveland.
After her retirement she became an avid gardener and reader, and she loved to prepare wonderful, home-cooked meals for her family.
Survivors include her husband, Thomas Clancy Henley; daughter and son-in-law, Anita Henley Johnston and James Morgan Johnston III; granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Amanda A. Miller and Aon Douglas Miller; her two beloved great-granddaughters: Morgan Kathryne Miller and Mary Alden Miller, whom she loved dearly; and several close cousins and dear friends.
She also leaves behind the many wonderful students she had the pleasure of teaching throughout the years. She was a storyteller at heart and loved to share tales of her days in the classroom and the antics of her elementary school children.
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, June 24, 2011, at First Presbyterian Church in Cleveland.
A service honoring her life will be held at 2 p.m. following the visitation.
A private Interment at Fort Hill Cemetery will precede the visitation.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Cleveland, or to the Cleveland Bradley County Public Library.
Ralph Buckner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
