Elfrieda Beth (Cook) Hensley

Elfrieda Beth (Cook) Hensley

     Elfrieda Beth (Cook) Hensley of Comanche, Oklahoma left this world on April 13, 2017  to see her parents, Harvie and Edith Cook as well as her brothers; Donald Hughes "Johnny" Cook and Henry Cook. A proud New Year's Day baby, born the first day of 1946, Frieda will always be known by many names, chief of among them Nana and Momma, the titles she most cherished. Frieda leaves behind her husband of 54 years William "Red" Hensley, daughtwers; Lawanda Hamer and Sharon McFerron, four grandchildren whom in her eyes never and never will do any wrong. Tiffaany Blackwell, Cole Hamer, Hattie McFerron and Samuel McFerron, her sister; Wanda Faye and brother-in-law J. Lee McClung, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and countless others for whom she spent her life caring, including pets; Misty Blu, Molly McGee, Trixie, Dixie, Mermer and Ms. Mouse.

     Born in Walters, Oklahoma and living her entire life in the Comanche area, Frieda spent her life caring for others. From being a primary caregiver for her own parents, to working for the Duncan Group Homes, serving as a Comanche City Councilor, and being a longtime foster parent, Frieda was happiest taking care of people. And she was good at it. Her greatest fear was being considered a burden, and she never was.  

     Frieda's caring often revealed itself in her ornery streak. She was always happy aggravating others in a good-natured manner. Whether it was spitting ice through a straw ( or threating to beat someone with that straw), midget-wrestling, leaving "Creepin" voicemails, of Polka dancing with Big Joe, Frieda would do anything to see her grandkids smile. She would visit with smiling fish, rescue kittens while on vacation, and always had time for whatever any of her blood or adopted grandkids wanted - including singing Jingle Bells in July.

     Nothing was more important to Frieda than family. Frieda was always wanting to go to a family reunion and loved nothing more than seeing everyone together and singing the old songs. Being part of a family was not just about blood to Frieda. Just ask her son-in-laws, her grandson-in-law, any of her foster children, or any of the random people who would find Frieda's door open. To know Frieda was to be a part of her family.  

     Frieda was blessed to have many friends who often found themselves in a heated card game. One of the few things Frieda enjoyed more than wining a game of Hand and Foot was catching Red and lifelong friend Haskell "Joe from Kokomo" McFatridge cheating while playing. There's no doubt, Frieda and Tootsie are stockpiling jokers and black threes as you read this.

     Graveside funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, 2017 at Fairlawn Cemetery in Comanche, Oklahoma, arrangements have been entrusted to the family care of Carter-Smart Funeral Home.

     The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Carter-Smart Funeral Home.

     In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you pray for them. Pray that we can all for others the way Frieda did. Pray for us that we cherish family the way Frieda did. Pray that we can sometime taste her fried chicken again, that we will hear her singing of those babes in the woods. And, just once in a while, look to the heavens and give Frieda a whistle. 

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