Resident Spotlight: Kolo Hensley
When you hear laughter echoing down the halls at The Harbor at Renaissance of Greene County, chances are Carey “Kolo” Hensley is nearby. Kolo doesn’t just tell a joke—she delivers it with a sly grin and the twinkle of someone who knows how to stitch a little brightness into an ordinary day. She has a way of making you feel welcome, whether you’re a new face or a familiar friend, and her warmth lingers long after the punchline lands.
Ask Kolo about her childhood and she’ll lean in, eyes bright, ready to paint you a picture of Wisconsin winters. You can almost feel the cold bite of the air as she reminisces of skating and fishing with her father—her laughter bubbling up as she recounts a story, her face lighting up with the memory. There’s a soft spot in her heart for those days, and she shares them like small treasures, passing along a little piece of joy to anyone willing to listen.
Kolo carries her memories of her late husband, Darrel, like a favorite photograph: cherished, well-worn, precious in every detail she recalls. Twenty-two years together left her with enough stories to fill a lifetime, and she revisits them often, her voice gentle when she speaks his name.
Popcorn and dill pickles—simple, satisfying, with a bit of zing, just like her sense of humor. Settle in with her for an episode of CSI or Law & Order and you’ll see her at her happiest, piecing together clues, rooting for the underdog, and tossing out her own half-serious theories about whodunit.
Kolo’s spirit is adventurous in the best way. She talks about camping trips and motorcycle rides with a spark that hints at a lifetime spent exploring and soaking in the world’s small wonders. Dogs—any dog, really—bring an extra gleam to her eyes, and she never misses a chance to say hello to a furry friend.
If there’s classic rock playing, Kolo’s likely humming along. She finds comfort in music, but also in faith—always looking forward to a church service, a devotion, or a Bible study. These moments ground her, carving out quiet spaces in weeks that are otherwise filled with laughter and conversation.
Mostly, though, Kolo is known for making people laugh. She’s the one with the quick comeback, the funny story, the smile that spreads down the hallway. She isn’t just part of The Harbor family—she is part of what makes it feel like home.
Kolo, thank you for sharing your joy, your stories, and your heart. The Harbor is brighter because of you.
COMMUNITY DETAILS
Located at the foothills of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Stanardsville, Va., The Harbor at Renaissance is a premier memory care community in the heart of Stanardsville. The team at The Harbor at Renaissance serves 32 resident apartments, in a safe, attentive, home-like environment. The community is committed to serving the greatest generation with honor, respect, faith, and integrity.
The Alzheimer’s and memory care services at The Harbor are unparalleled in eastern Virginia. The staff is friendly, the environment is safe, and they value the dignity of each resident, considering it a special blessing to serve them. More information is available at (434) 985-4481 or theharboralf.cc.
The Harbor at Renaissance is a part of Legacy Senior Living, a family-owned, faith-based company with an executive team that has more than 150 combined years of experience in the senior living industry. Legacy Senior Living strives to serve the Greatest Generation with honor, respect, faith, and integrity. More information is available at legacysl.net or by calling (423) 478-8071.
