Rene Smathers Henson

Rene Henson, 86, was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend who touched the lives of many with her kindness and compassion. Rene was born on June 26, 1937, to the late Fleetwood and Elizabeth Smathers at Norburn Hospital in Asheville. She was raised in Canton and lived her retirement years in Haywood County. Rene passed away on May 17, 2024, at Silver Bluff Village in Canton.

Rene pursued her interests in interior decorating and antiques across the many locations she lived with her husband, from the beach to the mountains. She was co-owner of the Eagles Nest Antique Shop in Ridgefield, CT, was instrumental in decorating the new parsonage at Central United Methodist Church in Canton and was especially excited to lead the restoration of the historic James M. Gwyn House located at Springdale, which became their retirement home. An avid animal lover, Rene was always seen with a dog, a cat or a horse by her side over the course of her life. She also rarely missed an opportunity to play a game of bridge. Rene was an active member in Methodist churches in the communities where she lived, including most recently at Central United Methodist Church.

Rene leaves behind a legacy of love and family. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Paul; her children, Mel Henson (Lyness), Libba Balch (Ben); her grandchildren PJ (Sally), John (Stacy), Zach (Nicole), Addie, Katie (David) and Benjamin; her great grandchildren Emery, Carter, Wells, Mary, Charlotte and Margaux; her brother Joseph Smathers; and her sister-in-law Hazel Henson.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m., and the funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at the Canton Chapel of Wells Funeral Home. The Reverend Erin Yow and Reverend Tom Owens will be officiating. Burial will follow the service at Bon-A-Venture Cemetery, Old Clyde Road.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church, 34 Church Street, Canton, NC, 28716 or Sarge’s Animal Rescue, 256B Industrial Park Drive, Waynesville, NC, 28786.

The care of Mrs. Henson has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Canton and an online memorial register is available at "Obituaries" at www.wellsfuneralhome.com.