Mrs. Beatrice Henderson

Beatrice Roberson Henderson passed away peacefully on February 22, 2023, at her home in Pearl, surrounded by loved ones. Services will be March 1 at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl. Visitation will be at 10 am, followed by the funeral service at 11:30 am, and a private family burial service at Lakewood Cemetery.

Beatrice was born November 16, 1923, to George Henry and Rhea Sarah Bridges Roberson in the Red House community of Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi. She was the fourth of six children in the family and was the last surviving sibling. Growing up, Beatrice was surrounded by a large extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and dozens of Roberson and Bridges cousins.

Bea’s rich and beautiful life was a testament to her faith in God, and to her love of family and friends. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, faithful follower of Christ, and proud member of the Greatest Generation. She was an amazing cook and a skilled seamstress.

Bea was the salutatorian of the Clem School Class of 1942 and received a degree from Draughon’s Business School in Jackson. After secretarial school, Bea remained in Jackson working at Service Motor Company. On a blind date in the summer of 1943, she met the love of her life, T. W. Henderson. They married in 1946 when he returned from military service and remained happily married for 66 years.

Bea served as church secretary at Pearl Baptist Church (now First Baptist Church of Pearl) for 13 years. In 1975, T. W. was called to the ministry, and she joined him in service at Branch Baptist Church, County Line Baptist Church, Sardis Baptist Church, Galilee Baptist Church, and Mt. Zion Baptist Church. She loved all of her church families, happily serving as secretary, teacher, wedding planner, Bible School leader, and Bible Drill Team leader.

In retirement Bea enjoyed her grandchildren, gardening, cooking, traveling out west, watching the Atlanta Braves, and family time. She continued to be an active member of First Baptist Church Pearl.

Bea was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her son Jimmy, and by her five siblings, Webber Wilson Roberson, Betroe Roberson, Minnie Mae McLendon, Ruby Wigington, and George Ray Roberson. She is survived by her son and daughter in law, Tom and Tommye Henderson of Clinton; daughter Cely Burgess of Pearl; grandchildren, Josh Little and Gray Sobczyk, Corley Henderson and fiancé Rob Brice, and Hollye Henderson; great-granddaughter Finn Little; sister-in-law, Jean Roberson; special family members Niki Thames and Martha Wigington; several nieces and nephews; and friends and neighbors Mike and Rita Patrick and Jeanene Ford. The family would like to thank devoted caregivers Jeanene Ford and Deborah Lindsey and Mississippi Baptist Hospice Services nurses Meagan Smith, Summer Smith, and Lexi Young for their expert and loving care.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Gateway Rescue Mission or a charity of your choice. Please share your memories and thoughts at www.baldwinleepearl.com

Minister

Rev. Tim Black

Pallbearers:

Bill Burrell

Sam Kennedy

Charles McLendon

Jerry McLendon

Mike Patrick

David Wigington

Honorary pallbearers:

Josh Little

Marty McLendon

Dave Mayberry

George H. Roberson

Dewayne Roberts

Charles Wigington