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Helen Henderson Smith passed away Monday, November 1, 2021, at her home with her husband and several family members by her side. She had recently celebrated her 90th birthday after battling Alzheimer’s disease for more than seven years. She was born in Greene County on October 27, 1931, to Sam James and Minnie (Baker) James. Her parents raised their only child there in the Piave community.
After marrying her childhood sweetheart, W.J. Henderson, she adapted to her new role as a pastor’s wife, standing beside her husband as he served Baptist congregations in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Montana. Together, they raised three sons before Henderson’s death in 1986. She later married another minister, James Smith. At her death, she had invested a total of seventy-one years in fulfilling the unique responsibilities of a pastor’s wife.
Retired from Deposit Guaranty Bank and Trustmark National Bank, Mrs. Smith enjoyed modeling for Stephens Mercantile in Mendenhall and traveling with her husband throughout the United States and in countries and on cruises abroad.
Survivors are her husband, James E. Smith; sons, Pat Henderson and wife Janice, Mark Henderson and wife Kim; daughter-in-law Sheila Henderson Gill; thirteen grandchildren, Glenda Barnett, Richard (Jennifer) Henderson, Randy (Addie) Henderson, Rowdy (Summer) Henderson, Wayne Henderson, Mitchell (Kassie) Henderson, Melodie Patrick (Parrish), Max (Blaire) Henderso, Daniel (Robin) Henderson, Luke (Mary) Henderson, Susanna (Caleb) Dunaway, Jonah Henderson, Hannah Henderson and forty-six great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her son, Dennis Henderson.
The family would like to thank Mrs. Smith’s caregivers from Kindred Hospice and Help At Home, especially Cassandra Warren, Mary Ann Brown, and Mrs. Smith’s granddaughter, Glenda Barnett.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Mendenhall First Baptist Church or D’Lo Baptist Church.
A memorial service for Helen Henderson Smith, of D’Lo, will be held Thursday, November 4, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Mendenhall. A private family burial will precede services.
Arrangements are entrusted to Tutor Funeral Home of Mendenhall.
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