Jensen needed every skill available to make his presence known.

“He made sure you understood him through sign language and gestures,” said his mother, Tina.

Jensen graduated from Newton-Conover High in 2003, but not before making a big impression on his classmates and teachers.

“He was a good kid, he liked people a lot,” said Michael Townsley, exceptional children teacher. “He was such a special kid.”

Jensen used his motorized wheelchair to get where he wanted. His parents even bought him a new Buick van to ride in. The van was put in his name, and he kept it immaculate inside.

He also loved racing and was a fan of NASCAR driver Casey Mears, whose parents live nearby.

Jensen’s other pride and joy was his cell phone. Through text messaging, he was able to chat with friends - many of them female - at school.

Jensen’s last year proved difficult. His health began to decline. His close friend and grandmother died within months of each other. He also knew he was very sick.

He told his mother he wanted to take his cell phone with him when he went to heaven. When asked why, he said, “I know people up there. I have to call them.”

Jensen was buried with his cell phone. “There’s not a safe woman in heaven as of 5:40 a.m.” April 25, said Reuben Gainey, Jensen’s grandfather.

By Kim Gilliland
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