Bernice Marie Sawyer Hensley's 15 years of DAR service honored

At the January 7 Ozark Spring, National Association Daughters of the American Revolution (Ozark Spring, NSDAR) meeting, 15-year member, Bernice “Marie” Sawyer Hensley who passed away October 20, 2022 was honored for her service and commitment to DAR and the West Plains community. Hensley was born in Tennessee and migrated to Missouri with her family at the age of nine to work in the cotton fields. After marrying the love of her life, Dewey “Duane.” Hensley, the couple moved to West Plains and had two daughters. 

During her career she worked at Luna’s Laundry, Crones Blackberry Canning, and was the first woman inspector for Dr. Pepper Bottling Company where she went on to train many who followed in the manufacturing trade. She and her husband, Duane were recognized for having one of the largest feeder pig operations in the West Plains area. Marie donated much of her life to 4H, PTA, her bible school students, DAR, and the raising of her children. She was remembered for her commitment to the West Plains community, her support of veterans, her competitive sport abilities, and for her warm hospitality in welcoming anyone in who stopped by her home for a good meal or cup of coffee or cold coke.

Frazier said, “her Mother’s DAR membership was another way she felt she could reach others with acts of kindness and that her life was committed to serving others.” Hensley is the Mother of Ozark Spring, NSDAR Daughters, Lois Frazier, and the Grandmother of Jessica Joice-Frazier, both 17-year members. Other NSDAR family members include her niece, Betty Sawyer Phillips and grandniece, Kimberly Phillips Posl. A cousin, Terry Sawyer, is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).