Celebrating the Life of Vencen Horsley 

Vencen Horsley, a dedicated civil rights advocate and community leader from Hermitage, Tennessee, passed away on December 11, 2024. Known for his activism and commitment to justice, he leaves a legacy of equality and compassion.

Vencen Horsley

Vencen Horsley was born on September 19th, 1943 in Hermitage, Tennessee. He was the son of Cora Lee Horsley and Lee Roy Horsley. He accepted Christ at an early age at Stateland Baptist Church. Vencen graduated from Pearl High School in 1962, and matriculated at Tennessee State University, where he became involved with the Civil Rights Movement and became a Crusader for Justice and Equal Rights.

Vencen was active in the Civil Rights Movement through sit-ins, marches and organizations that championed causes he believed would benefit everyone. Vencen was very proud of the fact that he was jailed seven times for causing “good trouble” throughout his time in the movement. 

Vencen worked for the Dupont company for 44 years. While he was employed there, he served as Vice President and ultimately President of the Old Hickory Employee Council. He worked tirelessly to make sure everyone was treated fairly. 

Vencen became involved in politics to ensure the voices of the often overlooked were heard. His mission for equality continued up until his death. 

Vencen made his transition from Earth to his Heavenly home on December 11, 2024. He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Lee Roy and Cora Lee Horsley, as well as his beloved niece, Pamela Lynn Horsley. Vencen leaves to cherish his memory his wife,  Doris Branch Horsley; daughter, Kelly Bailey (Damien); brother, Wayne Horace (Hannah); grandson, Marcus Bailey; granddaughter, Mariah Bailey; niece, Bri Horsley; nephews, Tyrone Horsley (Laura) Riverside, CA, Antonio Horsley and Terence Graves; and a host of dear friends. 

On Friday, December 20th at Mount Gilead Missionary Baptist Church in Hermitage, followed by his interment at Stateland Cemetery, also in his hometown of Hermitage, Tennessee.

To Those I Love

When I am gone, release me, let me go

So I can move into my afterglow.

You mustn’t tie me down with your tears;

let’s be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love, you can only guess

how much you gave me in happiness.

I thank you for the love you each have shown,

But now it’s time I traveled on alone.

So, grieve for me a while, if grieve you must,

then let your grief be comforted by trust.

It’s only for a while that we must part,

so bless the memories within your heart.

And then, when you must come this way alone,

I’ll greet you with a smile, and a, “Welcome home.”

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