June 2, 2026, 74, Kinston – Sadie Carol Layden Hensley, known to family and friends as Carol, “Monk”, or “Meema”, died on June 2, 2026, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro, North Carolina. She was born on August 24, 1951, in Kinston, North Carolina, to Griffin and Vivian Farmer Layden.
Carol was a graduate of North Lenoir High School and Bob Jones University, where she earned her degree in education. She taught elementary school in several area schools and concluded her career at Spring Creek Elementary. She had a deep commitment to teaching and especially cared for students who needed extra help to succeed.
Raised on a farm in Lenoir County, Carol developed a strong work ethic that stayed with her throughout her life. She was private, strong-willed, and fiercely protective of her family. She was also a woman of strong Christian faith who sought to follow the life and teachings of Christ. She was a member of Faith Free Will Baptist Church in Goldsboro.
Carol found joy in simple and meaningful things. She enjoyed her weekly lunch visits with friends—the “Rudy’s Girls” at Rudy’s Delicious Hotdogs in Goldsboro—and loved spending time with her grandchildren, whom she doted on. She found special comfort and companionship in her beloved cat, Screech.
She is survived by her father, Griffin Layden of La Grange; her son, Eddie Jones and wife Anna of State College, Pennsylvania; her grandchildren, Gwyneth Jones and partner Eli Kollat of Kingsland, Georgia, Morgan Jones, and Evan Jones; her sister, Dee Suggs and husband Clyde of Snow Hill; and her nephew, Chris Suggs of La Grange.
She was preceded in death by her husband Joe Hensley and her mother, Vivian Farmer Layden.
The family will receive friends for a time of visitation from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at Rouse Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at Rouse Funeral Home, with committal following at Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery at 12:00 noon.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests honoring Carol’s memory by following Christ’s example of love and service – offering help to someone in need or performing an act of kindness for another.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
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