Annegret Hensel Whitley

Annegret Hensel Whitley, 85, passed away on Wednesday, August 6 2025 at her home surrounded by her family. she was born in Klosterheide, East Germany to the late Grete Hensel. Ann was married for 59 years to the late Milton Junior Whitley.

Ann escaped GDR as a young child with her mother, Grete Hensel. In her early teens she worked as a military nurse’s aide. She came to the USA and met her husband, Milton “Jack” Whitley and they raised 3 girls. She became a citizen in 1984. She worked many years at Merle Norman in Holly Hill Mall. She also became a wall paper hanger with her life long friend, Chris Braun and they were known as “The Paper Dolls”. Ann was an avid gardener, shopper and she loved to sit on her porch swing and socialize with her friends and neighbors.

Ann is survived by her daughters, Susan May of Burlington, Michele Lecce of Whitsett and Elizabeth Hensel of Burlington; grandchildren, Alyssa May, Jackie Foelske, Paul Hensel and Aerial Hensel; great grandchildren, Emma Hill, Michelle Swett and Jayden Swett; great great grandchildren, Mollie Todd Hensel, Julia Hensel and Ava Hensel and her beloved dog, “Willie”. She was preceded in death by her mother, husband and grandson; Sean Aulbert.

A service to celebrate her life will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Amedisys Hospice, 2975 Crouse Lane, Burlington, NC 27215.