Geanie Henley, born on December 3, 1944, in Washington, D.C., passed away peacefully at her home in Potomac, Maryland, on May 9, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, strength, and kindness that touched all who knew her. A deeply spiritual and God-loving woman, Geanie lived her life with grace and compassion. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished daughter, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend whose warmth and joyful spirit made a lasting impression on everyone she met.

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Geanie had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome. She never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone, always leaving people better than she found them. Her home was known as “the party house,” a gathering place where family and friends came together, laughter was constant, and everyone felt they belonged. Wherever Geanie was, there was fun—she brought joy, warmth, and connection to every room she entered.

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She began her professional career at NASA, where she had the unique opportunity to work with John Glenn and Wernher von Braun. After dedicating herself to raising her three beloved daughters, Geanie returned to the workforce, first serving the Town of Poolesville, a community she deeply loved, before continuing her career with the federal government.

For more than 30 years, Geanie and her family called Poolesville home, where she became deeply woven into the fabric of the community. She was actively involved in Poolesville Memorial United Methodist Church, where her faith was not only her foundation but also her guiding light. Through service, friendship, and fellowship, she touched countless lives.

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Later in life, Geanie found love again and married her husband, John. Together, they shared their lives between Potomac, Maryland, and Kilmarnock, Virginia, where Geanie continued doing what she did best—building community, making friends, and spreading joy. In Kilmarnock, she became an active member of Kilmarnock United Methodist Church and the Yankee Point Yacht Club.

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Geanie faced cancer with remarkable strength, faith, and grace. After overcoming her first diagnosis, she courageously battled and lost a second diagnosis a year later. Though cancer claimed her life, it never diminished her faith, spirit, or deep love for those around her. She inspired all who knew her through her resilience and unwavering grace.

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She is survived by her beloved husband, John Henley; her cherished daughters, Brenda Quinlisk (Dennis Quinlisk and their sons Colin, Brian, and Andrew), Debbie Riddle (Craig Riddle and their children Ryan, Lauren, and Megan), and Lisa Stokes (Kevin Warren and their children Sadaya and Hasan, and grandchildren Peyton and Nelson); her stepsons, John Henley III (Debbie Henley and their children CJ, Heather, Thomas, and Hannah Grace, and grandchildren Lemma, Laine, and John), Mark Henley (Rebecca and their daughters Kaitlyn, Carolyn, and Allie), and Brian Henley (Shannon and their children Nick and Kayla); her sister, Jan Washko (John Washko); and many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

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She was preceded in death by her parents, Eloise and James McGlothlin; her brothers, James and Robert McGlothlin; and her former husband, James Stokes, the father of her daughters.

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Family and friends will be received on Saturday, May 16, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Poolesville United Methodist Church, 17821 Elgin Road, Poolesville, MD 20837. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m., immediately following visitation. Interment will follow at Monocacy Cemetery in Beallsville, Maryland.

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Geanie’s life was a testament to love, faith, resilience, and the power of community. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.