Bennie Henson

Bennie Ann Horton Henson was born February 28, 1936, in Wills Point, Texas, to Hubert Thomas and Catherine Arlou Horton. Bennie has one sister, Myra June Horton Ellis. Bennie and June’s father died in 1943. Arlou and the girls moved from the country into town, and were blessed when Arlou married Bruce Wilemon in 1946. Bruce loved Bennie and June as his own. Bennie attended Wills Point schools. With good friends, Carolyn and Juadene, Bennie attended HCJC in the summer of 1952 so she could graduate early from Wills Point High School in 1953. Bennie was very smart and the most beautiful girl in the world, according to GB. Bennie started work at Southwestern Bell in Dallas the week after she graduated. She left that job and the big city to marry GB Henson, Jr., on December 17, 1955. During GB’s military time, they lived in Georgia and California. The happy couple was married for more than 60 years, and resided most of that time in Terrell. They have two wonderful sons, Mike and Mark. Besides being a devoted wife, loving mother, the best mother-in-law, and doting grandmother, Bennie touched many lives at work. Bennie was a secretary at Burnett Elementary for 25 years, retiring in 1992. Bennie and GB became instant grandparents when Mike married Donna, and Eric was introduced into their lives. Mark and Cherie added Aaron and Ian to their lives. Bennie and GB enjoyed spending time and helping out with the boys. They loved the adventures the grandchildren took them on through many hours of dress-up and Happy Meal toys. Through the boys’ imagination, GB and Bennie traveled the world. Being a two-time breast cancer survivor, Bennie made sure to enjoy life’s “little things” every day. Bennie found joy in her flower garden that GB cultivated for her, listening to music, and their beloved pets. It has been said many times that if you found the Henson home as a pet, you would be very well fed, even a Whataburger or two. Bennie collected figurines and had an extensive collection of glassware from all over the world, and a story or memory that came with each one. Most of all Bennie enjoyed spending time with family and special friends. Bennie was a life-long member of the Church of Christ. Her faith is a legacy to her family. Bennie passed away on Friday afternoon at their home after a lengthy illness. She was met in heaven by her parents, Hubert Thomas Horton, Arlou and Bruce Wilemon; her in-laws, Scrawny and Lessie Henson; brother-in-law, Glynn Ellis; favorite cousin, Rosemary Owen Miller; and special friend, Mary Etta White. Left to carry on her legacy and memories are her loving and devoted husband, GB Henson, Jr.; sons Mike and wife, Donna, of Terrell; Mark and wife, Cherie, of Forney; sister, June Ellis of Wills Point; and grandsons, Eric Gooch and wife, Tracy, of Azle, and Aaron and Ian Henson of Forney; nieces and nephews of Wills Point and a host of friends. Graveside service will be held at 11:00am, Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at Oakland Memorial Park in Terrell. The family will receive friends 6:30pm to 8:30pm, Monday, May 9, at Max Slayton Funerals and Cremations in Terrell. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in memory of Bennie’s generous spirit to Boles Home for Children, 7065 Love, Quinlan, TX, 75474.

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Bennie Henson

February 28, 1936 - May 6, 2016