Sharon Burkes Hensarling, age 66, of Terry, Mississippi, entered through the heavenly gates on Sunday, September 13, 2026. Her passing came unexpectedly after a long and courageous battle with cancer, leaving those who loved her with hearts that were not yet ready to say goodbye.

Sharon was first diagnosed with breast cancer more than a decade ago, a battle she courageously fought and overcame. In March 2024, she was diagnosed once again, this time with metastatic breast cancer. Just as she had before, Sharon faced her illness with determination and an incredible will to keep going. She fought until the very end not only for herself, but for her children and grandchildren. And what a fight she fought.

On March 17, 1960—St. Patrick’s Day—Floyd and Ruby Burkes welcomed Sharon into the world. She grew up alongside her older sister, Doris Burkes Nell. Sharon attended Wingfield High School, where she was an athlete and played on the basketball team, graduating in 1978. After high school, she attended Hinds Community College and became a medical lab technician. She would eventually finish her career with South Rankin Medical Clinic, retiring in 2021.

Sharon met Perry Gene Hensarling while they were in high school, beginning a love story that would span decades. They married on June 21, 1980, and later welcomed their two children, Brent and Kayla. They eventually settled in Terry, Mississippi, where they built their home, raised their family, and would spend the remainder of their lives together.

Sharon found tremendous joy in traveling during her time on this earth. She experienced places some only dream of visiting, including Turks and Caicos, Aruba, Mexico, several destinations throughout the Caribbean, and even took a motorcycle road trip all the way to Sturgis. But one place held a particularly special place in her heart: Panama City Beach, Florida, where she tried to return every year. Her family takes great comfort in knowing that during the final weeks of her life, Sharon was able to visit one of her favorite places one last time.

Sharon was also an avid deer hunter who loved to fish and spend time outdoors. She loved gardening, canning, and sitting outside watching the birds, with cardinals, bluebirds, doves, and hummingbirds among her favorites. She loved cooking for her family, and her homemade spaghetti was always one of the best. This year, she was especially proud of just how good her homemade pickles turned out. And anyone who knew Sharon knew she was a Mississippi State Bulldog through and through. She loved her Bulldogs and proudly cheered them on every chance she got.

Those who knew Sharon also knew about one of her favorite weekly traditions—a trip to Arturo’s Mexican Grill in Crystal Springs. A Corona with lime and a nacho supreme with no sour cream or guacamole was her specialty.

Some of Sharon’s happiest days were simply the ones when her family was together. She loved preparing homemade recipes for everyone during the holidays, and Christmas held an especially dear place in her heart.

Above almost everything else, Sharon loved being a grandmother. She made it a priority to show up for her grandchildren’s sports, activities, games, and performances. She loved watching them play ball and dance, and if she could have spent every moment with her grandchildren, she would have. Even as her illness progressed, she fought incredibly hard for more time with them.

Sharon shared 41 years of marriage with the love of her life, Perry Gene Hensarling, before his unexpected passing in 2021. They were married on June 21, 1980, and this past June marked what would have been their 46th wedding anniversary. She remained devoted to him for the rest of her life, honoring the promise they had made to one another so many years before: until death do us part.

Her family finds peace imagining the reunion that took place when Sharon entered Heaven—surrounded by those she had missed so deeply, with Perry waiting to welcome her with one of his big teddy-bear hugs.

Sharon was the proud mother of Brent Hensarling and Kayla Manley. She would have gone to the ends of the earth for her two children, and the pride she had in them could never be hidden.

She became a grandmother earlier than she may have expected, but it grew into one of the sweetest relationships of her life. Her granddaughter, Kinleigh Hensarling, was her little twin. Sharon supported Kinleigh in everything she did and never failed to show up for her.

She later welcomed grandchildren Mason and Millie Manley. Although the time she was given with them was far too short, she was immensely proud of them both. Even toward the end of her illness, Sharon did everything she could to be present for them, and the love on her face whenever she held them said more than words ever could.

Sharon was also a sister, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, and dear friend to many. Earlier this year, she experienced the loss of her sister, Doris, another person she loved deeply. The relationships Sharon built throughout her lifetime were important to her, and the memories she created will continue through the many people she loved and who loved her in return.

Sharon is survived by her son, Perry “Brent” Hensarling and his wife, Jazzma Hensarling, and granddaughter, Kinleigh Hensarling; her daughter, Kayla Nicole Manley and her husband, Michael Manley, and grandchildren, Mason Manley and Millie Manley; her brother-in-law, Mark Hensarling and his wife, Joyce Hensarling; her brother-in-law, Richard Nell; her nephew, Ricky Nell; her niece, Cindy Smith and her husband, Rodney Smith; and cousins Hannah Smith, Haley Smith, and Skylar Nell; along with many extended family members and friends who will carry her memory with them.

Sharon also leaves behind her two loving dogs, Genie and Dakota, who were faithful companions and a special part of her life and home.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Perry Gene Hensarling; her parents, Floyd and Ruby Burkes; her sister, Doris Nell; and her granddaughter, Mabry Manley.

Sharon’s life cannot be measured simply by the years she was given, but by the places she traveled, the meals she cooked, the traditions she created, the memories she made, and, most importantly, the people she loved. Her family will remember her in Christmas gatherings, trips to the beach, gardens and homemade pickles, afternoons watching the birds, ball games and dance performances, and countless ordinary moments that now mean more than ever.

She fought hard. She loved her family fiercely. And although those who loved her would have given anything for more time, they find comfort knowing that her fight is over, she is no longer suffering, and she has finally been reunited with the loved ones she missed so dearly.

Visitation and a memorial service honoring Sharon’s life will be held at Chancellor Funeral Home in Byram, Mississippi. Following the service, interment will take place at Natchez Trace Cemetery in Madison, Mississippi, where Sharon will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Perry Gene Hensarling.

Her family will carry her love and her memory with them always.