Sarah "Maxine" Hensley Sutphin

Sarah ‘Maxine’ Hensley Evans Sutphin, age 89 of Asheville, passed away suddenly on September 27 at Mission Health in Asheville after suffering an aneurism with her devoted daughter Robin holding her hand.

Oh, what a celebration in Heaven this week as Maxine has arrived.

Maxine was born on August 8, 1930 in Spillcorn, Madison County, NC, to Max and Hassie Hensley. She was extremely proud of her heritage and enjoyed sharing stories about growing up in Spillcorn raised by her Grandmother Finettie Shelton Hensley. She left Spillcorn at age 12 to attend boarding school at Warren Wilson Farm School where she graduated. Her adult life was spent in the Kenilworth Community where she lived for over 60 years.

As her career, she was a Dental Assistant to three Asheville area Dentists, Dr. Jim Reeves, Dr. Robert Holmes, and most recently worked for over 20 years with Dr. Dale Dienes of the Arden Dental Group. She enjoyed her work, especially the relationships she formed with the dental patients, and retired after moving to part-time, at 81 years of age. After retirement, she enjoyed Facebook posting, playing video Bingo and Texas Hold-‘em poker. She loved games of chance, playing cards, and dominos and wouldn’t miss the occasional opportunity to visit Harrah’s Cherokee Casino. Her last summer was spent outside on her deck reading and watching the hummingbirds.

Maxine lived her life to the fullest, never met a stranger, and was a true cut-up. She was known for her sharp wit and sometimes brutal honesty. She was kind hearted and loads of fun, but would speak her mind, was unforgettable and truly one -of- a- kind.

She was preceded in death by her son Michael Evans (Carol) of Mars Hill, NC, two husbands, Ray Evans and John Sutphin and her brother Ben Hensley.

She is survived by her daughter and best friend, Robin Evans with whom she shared an extremely close relationship. Her Granddaughter Katie Rice (Brandon) and great-granddaughter, Molly Claire Rice. A brother Ralph Jackson ‘Jack’ Hensley of Asheville, his children James Hensley of Asheville, Gary Hensley (Doris) of Marshall, Anita (Micky) Lamm of Smithville, and Anita’s children and grandchildren. And, many friends and neighbors in Kenilworth, Candler, and Madison County, NC.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, October 6 from 2:00 – 4:30 pm at the Kenilworth Center located behind Kenilworth Presbyterian Church on Chiles Avenue in Kenilworth. Dress is casual and light refreshments will be served. Be prepared to share a funny story about Maxine if you are inclined.

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