Barbara Ann Hensley McElreath, 78, passed away on August 25, 2026, at Mission Hospital following a valiant battle with lung cancer and COPD.

Born October 14, 1947, in Buncombe County, Barbara was the daughter of the late Olin Hensley and Loraine Hug Hensley. She dedicated much of her life to caring for others, earning her master’s degree in nursing and working as a registered nurse for 30 years. Her profession was more than a career; caring for people was simply part of who she was.

Barbara was a member of Biltmore Church of God and found joy in the simple things of life. She was an avid reader and loved spending time outdoors in her yard, where she could often be found tending to her roses, forsythia, and whatever else she could coax into bloom. She enjoyed her time outside, a good book, and a cigarette as she took in the beauty of life around her.

A good and giving person, Barbara spent much of her life helping others. In the later years of her life, when she could no longer care for herself as she once had, she learned to accept the care and kindness of others. Her nurses, physical therapists, Meals on Wheels volunteers, church friends, and friends from the Lions Club became an important source of comfort and companionship. After a lifetime spent caring for others, Barbara was grateful to experience that same kindness returned to her.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to everyone who cared for Barbara and brought comfort to her during her final years, with special thanks to her dear friends Margaret and Judy, and to the late Hazel Viands, whose friendship and kindness meant so much to Barbara.

Barbara is survived by her children, Lisa McElreath of Asheville and Jimmy McElreath of Lumberton; her sister, Wanda Warren of Black Mountain; her brothers, Larry Bruce Hensley and his wife, Florence Jump Hensley, of Keokuk, Iowa, James Eugene Hensley and his wife, Claudia Elaine Phillips, of Asheville, and Richard Hensley of Fairview; her grandchildren, Natasha McElreath, Matthew McElreath, and Chase Winkenwerder; two great-grandchildren; nephew, Matthew Eugene Hensley; niece, Stephanie Elaine Hensley; great-nieces and great-nephews, Matthew Eugene Hensley, Emilyn Page Hensley, and Eli Allman Graham.

Barbara lived a life marked by service, resilience, friendship, and a genuine willingness to help others. She will be remembered not only for the care she gave throughout her life, but also for the many small things that made her uniquely herself—the books she read, the flowers she grew, the time she spent in her yard, and the people she loved.

In accordance with Barbara’s wishes, no services will be held at this time.

The care of Ms. McElreath has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Candler.