Cover photo for Barbara Henson's Obituary
Barbara Henson Profile Photo
1934 Barbara 2022

Barbara Henson

November 17, 1934 — March 18, 2022

Meridian

Barbara Ann Henson was born November 17, 1934, in Meridian MS to Herman and Ruth Hitt. She entered the presence of her dear Savior the Lord Jesus Christ Friday March 18, 2022, having lived 87 years and four months. She is preceded in death by her parents, a sister Beverly Ruth, and her beloved husband Ralph Henson, who went to heaven in June 2008.

She is survived by daughter Beverly Ann Henson of Meridian, son Ralph Henson and wife Christy of Meridian, and son Rick Henson and wife Mindy of Brandon: grandchildren Rebekah Henson of Meridian, Tamarah Fassino and husband, Nick of Tomball TX, Rachel Henson of Madison, and Ben Henson of Meridian: great-grandchildren Ruth Williams and Lucas Williams of Stonewall, and Domemic and Tess Fassino of Tomball TX.

When Barbara was a student at Meridian Community College, she began working in the childcare section and discovered her life’s calling. She started keeping children in her home in 1958 and eventually she and Ralph started their own daycare business in 1966. She and her husband influenced tens of thousands of children for over half a century at Barbara Henson’s Daycare and Swim Gym, where she shaped lives and taught swimming. Those influenced by Ralph and Barbara live across our city, our state, the nation, and even around the world.

Barbara Henson was elected and served as a Lauderdale County Election Commissioner from 1972-1991. In 1989, she was elected as City Councilwoman for the City of Meridian, where she faithfully served until 2017. After her retirement, in recognition of her work and service as Coach of the Meridian Swimming Team from 1963-1972, and having equipped so many with swimming skills, the city renamed the Highland Park pool, the “Barbara Henson Aquatic Center.”

Barbara and Ralph Henson were long term members at State Boulevard Baptist Church, where they worked tirelessly in the bus ministry and the youth department. They also traveled Sunday mornings for many years to the Okatibbee Reservoir campground where they had a puppet ministry. For the last fourteen years, Barbara has been an active member of New Life Community Church in Meridian, where her son, Ralph serves as pastor, and where she taught children’s church, not surprisingly.

Ralph and Barbara traveled together extensively to forty-nine US states, all except Alaska. They were high-school and life-long sweethearts. Barbara Henson loved her Lord, her husband, and her children; those born to her, as well as those placed in her charge. She exemplified what a Christian lady should be, always with a Godly attitude and outlook in every area of her life. As in Proverbs 31, her children truly rise up and call her blessed, and Barbara Henson, that means many thousands of children.

A celebration of her life will be held at Northcrest Baptist Church Saturday March 26 at 2 PM. Visitation will be from 12 noon to 2:00 PM, before the service. A private burial will be held later.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Barbara Henson, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Saturday, March 26, 2022

12:00 - 2:00 pm (Central time)

Northcrest Baptist Church

3412 N Hills St, Meridian, MS 39305

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Funeral Service

Saturday, March 26, 2022

Starts at 2:00 pm (Central time)

Northcrest Baptist Church

3412 N Hills St, Meridian, MS 39305

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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