Obituary of Sally Ann Henslee Batson

Sally Ann Henslee Batson, age 87, of Charlotte, North Carolina passed away peacefully on April 7, 2024. Sally was born in Birmingham, Alabama on December 13, 1936, to Majorie Louise Ray Henslee and Miles Douglas Henslee and was the second of four children. Sally earned her music degree, majoring in piano, at The University of Alabama.  She met Benjamin Bert “Ben” Batson, of Birmingham, AL while attending the university, and they married on March 11, 1960. Sally enjoyed her career as a wife and mother of four, and her volunteer work in the community and schools in Huntsville, AL and then in central Florida when Ben's career moved them there in the late 1960's.  When her twin girls began middle school, Sally decided to try teaching and found her calling.  She truly loved teaching high school English, and her students adored her.  Sally was the kind of teacher that movies are made about.  Her students would often return to the school after their graduation to visit her, calling her their favorite teacher. Sally’s annual spring etiquette lesson was always a favorite requiring her students to dress up and learn the proper manners for luncheon, as all southern belles and beaus should know.  Sally was always a force who liked to be involved and loved to lead.  Over the years she held many positions of leadership in the community as well as the teaching community.  Sally taught at Winter Park High School, in Winter Park, Florida until her retirement in 2002.  After retirement, Sally and Ben decided to move closer to some of their grandchildren and relocated to the Charlotte, NC area.  Sally was very involved with her grandchildren and enjoyed supporting them in their activities. 

Sally’s family would like to express their appreciation and gratitude for the nurses and staff at Preston House Memory Care for their excellent care over the past seven months. A very special thank you to Eileen Fitzpatrick, Sally’s hospice nurse, who lovingly supported Sally and the family through the last few months.

Sally is survived by her four children Richard Craig Batson of Fort Mill, SC, Alan Henslee Batson (Michelle) of Orlando, FL, Jennifer Ellen Batson Eyth of Huntersville, NC, Sharon Lynn Batson Pickens, of Huntersville, NC and seven grandchildren Michael Zachary Batson of Fort Mill, SC, Alexandra Katharine Batson of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Emily Caroline Pickens of Huntersville, NC, Bruce Andrew Pickens III of Mooresville, NC, Aidan Benjamin Eyth of Baltimore, MD, Batson Henslee Ellen Pickens of Huntersville, NC, and Colin Wilder Eyth of Huntersville, NC. Sally is predeceased by her husband, her parents, and three siblings: Richard Kent Henslee; Wanda Henslee White; and Sandra Ruth Henslee.

A private graveside service for the family will be held at Elmwood Cemetery in Charlotte, NC on Wednesday, April 10.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to The University of Alabama, School of Music, Scholarship Fund: https://give.ua.edu.