AIKEN, SC --Trudy Knicely Henson died peacefully at home on October, 30, 2016. Trudy was a loving wife, dedicated professor, wonderful friend, adventurous traveler, and committed volunteer. She was born in Harrisonburg, Virginia on December 30, 1946 to Eva E. and Roy D. Knicely who predeceased her. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Gary Henson, her brother David Knicely, and a large circle of friends. A lifelong cat lover, Trudy also leaves her adored Dorie and Precious. Trudy received a B.S. in Business Administration from Virginia Tech (1969), an M.A. in Sociology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (1974), and a Ph.D. in Sociology from Bowling Green State University (1978). Before moving to Aiken to teach at the University of South Carolina Aiken in 1978, she taught at the College of St. Mary in Omaha, Nebraska. She retired from USCA as Distinguished Professor of Sociology in 2009. During her years at USCA, Trudy worked in many capacities. She served as Chairperson of the Department of Sociology, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Chair of the Faculty Assembly, and as Chair of several search committees for senior administrative positions. In recognition of her contributions to USCA, she received the University Service Award in 1993 and 2004. Dr. Henson's primary passion was teaching. As Professor of Sociology, she was devoted to the classroom, her students, and to excellence in teaching. She received the Teacher of the Year Award, the Alumni Award, and the MidSouth Advisor of the Year Award. She also helped establish the Academy of Lifelong Learning. Dr. Henson's interest in travel, much of it undertaken with her husband Gary, became an integral and vibrant component of her teaching. She was a participant in a Fulbright Summer Program in India and traveled widely in other parts of Asia, including China, and throughout Europe. Additionally, Professor Henson published widely in criminology and social science journals and was a frequent presenter at demography and sociology conferences. Dr. Henson's love of teaching continued into her retirement as a volunteer in teaching English as a Second Language classes and citizenship preparation courses for the Learn English for Living Foundation. She was on the board of Partners in Friendship, the Family Counseling Services of Aiken, and the Aiken County Infant Mortality Taskforce and a member of the American Association of University Women. Trudy's impressive range of accomplishments does not depict the kind of mentor, colleague, friend, and wife she was. She was a kind, warm, loving person who gave generously of her energy and time. Serious and rock-solid, she was also possessed of both a sense of humor and a sense of fun. She loved food, cooking, and the enjoyment of a wide and eclectic group of friends who will miss her dearly as will her beloved Gary and her cats. Trudy gave generously to various causes through the years, and in recognition of that, the family ask that you give to the charity of your choice in lieu of sending flowers. A memorial service to honor Trudy's life will be held at George Funeral Home on Saturday, November 12, at 2:00 p.m. The Historic George Funeral Home, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234), has charge of arrangements.