Mrs. Kay Austin Ray Henson, age 86 of Jasper, GA, passed away on Wednesday, January 7th, 2026 at her residence.

Mrs. Henson was born on April 26, 1939, in Pikeville, Kentucky, to the late Rev. Hiram Butler Ray and the late Maggie Peters Ray. She was employed as a senior care coordinator at the Pickens County Senior Center, where she was known for her compassion and dedication to serving others. She was a faithful member of Harvest Missionary Church of Ellijay and lived her life grounded in her love for the Lord.

Her family was her greatest joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them. Mrs. Henson will be remembered for her kind heart, strong faith, and the care she showed to all who knew her. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Henson is preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years, James E. Henson; two brothers, Ernest Ray and Reed Ray, and two sisters, Cherie Sowards and Gayle Talwater.

She is survived by her children and their spouses, Darrell (Lynn) Henson of Talking Rock, GA, Dean (Jamie) Henson of Talking Rock, GA, Jessie Henson (Walter Muecke) of Americus, GA, Doug (Carla) Henson of Ellijay, GA, and Daphne (Keiran) Neely of Decatur, GA; sister, Rose Coleman of Pikeville, KY; 6 grandchildren, Deana Sutton, Devin Henson, Drew Henson, James Doyle, Ashley Doyle, and Gemma Neely; 11 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral Services to honor the life of Mrs. Henson will be held on Sunday, January 11th, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Bernhardt Funeral Home with Rev. Glenn Arnold and Mark Henson officiating. Graveside Interment will follow in the Yukon Cemetery with the following gentlemen serving as pallbearers: Waylon Henson, Devin Henson, James Doyle, Drew Henson, Keiran Neely, Jody Sutton, Cade Sutton, and Damon Henson.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 10th, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Bernhardt Funeral Home of Ellijay, GA is entrusted with these arrangements.