Minister Teresa Gayle Henley departed this life on Friday, September 27, 2013 surrounded by family and friends. She was born to Deaconess Lennie Sandidge Henley and the Late Deacon Thurman Henley Sr. on July 4, 1961 in Amherst Virginia

Teresa accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and joined the New Jerusalem Baptist Church being baptized at the age of nine. Sister Henley taught youth groups and coordinated Vacation Bible School in her home church since her college years. Her other areas of service have included Chairperson of Kitchen Committee, Fellowship choir member, and church van driver. She also served as Trustee and Chairperson of Pastor's Aide Committee.

Minister Henley graduated from Amherst County High School in 1979. She continued her education at Wake Forest University as a Hankins Scholar. In May 1983 she received a BA in Sociology. She was a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP). Ms. Henley began her career in social work at Amherst County Dept. of Social Services providing child protective services, adoption and foster care. In 1986 she went to work in the City of Lynchburg where she spent the majority of her career providing counseling services to at-risk teens and families, abused and neglected children, crisis intervention, and conflict resolution. She was Assistant Superintendent of Crossroads House; served as Community Services Act Coordinator, received certification in Family Group Decision Making designed to help families, their churches and communities, played an active role in decision making for children "in the system". She worked in Residence Life at Sweet Briar College for almost 20 years.

In 2011 Minister Henley accepted the call to Minister the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She attended Eastern Theological Seminary Spring of 2012 through Summer of 2013. Minister Henley was passionate about her ministry with young adults and was in the process of organizing NrHaven (Inner Haven) Ministries to help young adults experience the safe place within by knowing the love and peace provided by a relationship with Jesus Christ. Members of the NrHaven committee are committed to continuing this ministry.

In addition to her mother, Teresa is survived by her siblings; three brothers, Thurman "Tee" Henley Jr., William Rondell Henley Sr. (Vicky) of Amherst, VA; Anthony Henley, Pueblo, CO and she also have an older brother Dale (Arlene) Braxton of Madison Heights, VA; and Patricia Meade (John) of Madison Heights, VA; three nephews Darius Jones, William Rondell Henley Jr., Amherst, VA; and Brandon Wayne Jamerson ; Madison Heights, VA; two nieces, Samantha Henley, Amherst, VA; and Alexis Meade, Madison Heights, VA; two great-nieces; Aarihanna Jones and Kamryn Jennings and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and friends.