Gayla Cheree Henslee

Cleburne, TX - Gayla Cheree Henslee, 72, passed away peacefully in her sleep Friday, April 24, 2026 in Alvarado, TX. She requested she be cremated and didn't want a service, though there may be an informal celebration of life at a later date.
Gayla was a proud loving mother, mother in-law, grandmother, great grandmother and aunt. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She was preceeded in death by her father Charles Martin, mother LaTrica Martin, brother Dwayne Martin, sister Brenda Sours, brother in law Ray Sours and nephew Kevin Osborne. 
Gayla was a driven mother of 2 and spent her life working in the legal field. Starting as a legal secretary
she attended college at night and obtained her paralegal degree. She was ultimately elected as justice of the peace of precinct one in Johnson county where she held that position for a number of years before retiring. Her off time was spent on family trips each year to Port Aransas, one of her favorite areas of the state.
Gayla is survived by her son Eric Kirkland and wife Jeanine, daughter Laura Cobb and husband Kiley, nephew Chris Osborne, grandsons Zach Cobb, Colton Cobb and wife Gigi, Kirkland Cobb and wife Jill, Dylan Martindale and wife Genna and Chris Evans and wife Jordan as well as numerous great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society in Gayla's name.