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Martha Inez Wilburn Hendren

September 8, 1930 - October 28, 2024

Burial Date October 31, 2024

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Martha Inez Wilburn Hendren, of Brookneal, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 28, 2024, at the age of 94. Born on September 8, 1930, to Jesse Thomas and Malissa Crews Wilburn, Inez grew up in Naruna and graduated from Naruna High School. She married the love of her life, Cecil Hendren, on December 28, 1949, after being introduced by mutual friends. Together they shared 63 wonderful years and raised two daughters, Joyce and Shirley. Inez worked for 14 years at the Pacific Mills Textile Plant in Brookneal before transitioning to a full-time role in the home. A gifted seamstress, Inez sewed her own clothing and that of her daughters, as well as curtains and quilts. Her cooking skills were renowned, particularly her chicken salad, potato salad, pecan pie, and chocolate meringue pie. One of the most compassionate ways Inez led by example was by welcoming her mother into the family’s home and caring for her until she passed in 1973. As a long-time member of Falling River Baptist Church, Inez actively supported her daughters’ church activities, often serving refreshments at VBS and driving them to GA camps. Her summers included canning and preserving home-grown produce, tending flowers, mowing the lawn, and cherishing family vacations to Emerald Isle, NC, a tradition that spanned 46 years. In their later years, Inez and Cecil enjoyed spring and fall fishing trips to the Outer Banks. Inez was a vital part of the family’s beef cattle business, often feeding anyone who showed up for lunch, hauling cattle to market, raking hay, and later coordinating communication between farmers, earning Inez and Cecil’s house the nickname “Grand Central Station.” She will be remembered for her hospitality, warmth, and servant’s heart. In her final years, Inez faced the challenges of dementia but remained at home thanks to the devoted care of five special women: Mary Elder, Cheryl Handy, Valerie Pillow, Cheryl Swint, and Jeanette Woodall. The family is deeply grateful for their unwavering love and support. Special thanks are also extended to Sharon McCormick and the staff at Noah’s Landing Healthcare at Home in Goode, Virginia. Inez was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil L. Hendren, three sisters, Byeanna W. Henderson, Alice Lee Christian, and Helen W. Williams, and an infant son born in 1954. She is survived by her daughters, Joyce H. Jones (George) and Shirley H. Scott (John), both of Brookneal, Virginia; her grandchildren, Clinton Neal Jones of Charlotte Court House, Virginia, and Celia Ellen Jones of Henrico, Virginia; her sister, Maymie W. Keys of Lynchburg, Virginia; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at Falling River Baptist Church, officiated by Reverend Lynn Marstin. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive visitors at the residence located at 3255 Wickliffe Road, Brookneal, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may made to Brookneal Volunteer Fire Department, Falling River Baptist Church (Mission Meals), or an organization of your choice. Henderson Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Brookneal is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hendersonfuneral.net.