Dorothy Henson

Dorothy was the fourth child of eight children, born to Howard and Minnie Marie Hoskins Tyler. She was born on the 8th day of August 1931 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Nestled into a loving family she thrived on that nourishment. Attended and educated in Indianapolis Public School #23 and graduated from Crispus Attucks High School in 1948. At the age of 12, she accepted Christ and was baptized at Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, where she remained a life-long member until her death. Dorothy flourished and grew in God’s grace and stature. She served and loved her Lord, and was a long time member of the Missionary Department. Missionary was her true ministry, she always was sending out birthday, anniversary, graduation, get well, thinking of you, mother’s day, father’s day, Easter, and Christmas cards. Although Dorothy never learned to drive, she sent out hundreds of meals to families in bereavement, to the elderly members, neighbors, family and friends. Dorothy was honored as “Mother of the Year” in 1977 by Rev L.E. Ervin, the late pastor of Metropolitan. She was employed at the Finance Center; at Ft. Harrison until she decided to return to her best CAREER, a stay at home Mother. She completed the greatest job her of her life rearing her family. If you asked her what was her most prized possession she would tell you her five children. She absolutely believed in family, because she knew the importance of this structure, and being close and helping one another. Dorothy had a very creative mind; which reflected in her love for decorating, painting, wallpapering, designing and creating floral arrangements. In her mind she decorated everyone’s home. If you were in her world, at noon every day, she went to God in prayer, because she believed in God’s Word and power. We knew not to disturb her during that sacred time. Vikki remembers: Prayer changes things; Keep hope alive. Jo Ann remembers: Mom saying I going to run on to see what the end will be. Lynn remembers: “Mama said ….……” Dock remembers: “Father I stretched my hand to thee, for no other help I know, if thou withdraw thyself from me, whither would I go…” Jason remembers: To stay at home is best, for those who wander and know not where is full of trouble and full of care, to stay at home is best. Her parents, husband, and 7 sibling’s, 2 grandsons and a great granddaughter preceded her in death. Her memory is being cherished by children: Victoria Whorton-Alexander, Jo Ann Miller, Lynn Henson, Dock H. Henson (Bedett) and Jason Henson (Dashada), her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Also one Aunt of Terre Haute, one sister-in-law, Emma Jane Scott of Clarksville, TN, brother-in-law, Rufus Shotwell holds her memory. In addition her cousins and beloved Alice Tyler Coe and Emma Price will sorely miss her. There remains a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.