Willie Esther (Essie) Renner Hensley (93) passed away 27 September 2026, at her home, Otterbein Retirement Community in Lebanon, Ohio. Essie was born on 9 September 1933 to George Washington and Dora Anna (Cromer) Renner in Rockcastle County Kentucky. She was the youngest of 12 children, three of whom died at birth. Her siblings were Monroe, Alice, Fannie, John, Irene, George, Fred and Dorthea.

She married Marion Wallace and moved from Rockcastle County Kentucky to Cincinnati, Ohio and had three children, Debora (Kevin) Higgins, Dennis Wallace and Michael Wayne Wallace.

She later married Larkin Hensley and had three additional children, Daryl (Charlotte) Hensley, Angela Albers and Sandra Hensley. Essie also had one stepson, Ronnie (Donna) Hensley. Essie’s husband Larkin proceeded her in death on 31 August 2006.

After her husband Larkin died, she eventually moved to Otterbein Retirement Community and was heavily involved in all the various activities in the community. She participated in water aerobics and loved to walk and get her “steps in”. She was active in dominoes and card playing activities.

Essie had 9 grandchildren, Julie (Summer) Brock, Steve (Megan) Brock, Kevin & Kaela Higgins, Jason (Karolina) Wallace, Nina (Ryan) Mathies, Christopher Albers, Nigel (Ira) Buckley and Becca (Jason) Tuemler. Essie also had 8 great grandchildren. Essie adored her family, extended family of nieces and nephews and loved nothing more than spending time with them.

To honor Willie’s compassionate spirit, a visitation will be held at Frederick Funeral Home, located at 2553 Banning Road, Cincinnati, OH 45239 on Friday, October 2, 2026, from 10:00 AM until the time of funeral service, which will begin at 11:00 AM. We invite all who knew Willie to come together in remembrance and reflection, celebrating a life well-lived and a spirit that will continue to shine brightly in our hearts.