Judy Reese Henson lived a life of selfless service to family, her God and community. She quietly departed this life from her home in Okolona into eternity on Good Friday, April 7, 2023. Judy was a great soul, always a sterling personality, filled with spiritual gifts and strength and unconditional love for her Lord and Savior. Judy made her life count every day, in the work place and in her Church and anywhere she was. She was a strong but gentle Steel Magnolia, always positive and her faith was unwavering. Judy was born in Amory on Feb. 28, 1956 to the late Harvey Lee Reese and Cora Mae Renfroe Reese, who survives. She grew up in Monroe County and graduated from Hatley High School. She later graduated from Itawamba Community College. Judy married the love of her life, Johnny Henson on Dec. 22, 1973. He died in 2002. Professionally, Judy excelled and served as Office Manager of Rose Hill Furniture Mfg. for over 30 years where her talents were respected and appreciated. After retiring, she began a career with Chickasaw County Justice Court serving as Chief Clerk of the Court for over 12 years. She served as interim Justice Court Judge in 2022. Judy was a faithful, devoted and consummate reader, a lover of all genre’s of music especially that recorded the 60’s and 70’s, a student of the Bible and all things spiritual and a longtime active member of Faith Outreach Church in Okolona where she was beloved. She was a member of The Eastern Stars. She enjoyed golfing, gardening, and dancing with the ladies of Faith Outreach. Her grandchildren brought her more joy than she ever imagined. Judy was the cornerstone of her family on both sides and will be sorely missed by family and her wide circle of friends.
A service celebrating her life will be held at 1 PM Tuesday, April 11, 2023 from Faith Outreach Church with her longtime pastor, Bro. Jimmy Bryan officiating. Private burial will follow in East Chickasaw Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 5PM-7PM on Monday, 4/10/23 and from 11 AM-service time on Tuesday (4/11/23) all at the Church.
Judy is survived by her son whom she loved supremely, Joseph Henson and his partner, Shauna Ashley of Hattiesburg; her grandchildren, Josie Kate Henson, Rowan McClain Henson, mother, Cora Reese of Amory; her sisters, Jeanette Kizzire (Tim) of Saltillo, Janice Garza and Joyce Van Norman both of Amory: a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, Harvey Lee Reese, her husband, Johnny Henson, her son, Johnny Henson, II and a brother, Jerry Reese.
Pallbearers will be George Porter, Jimmy Rappe, Anthony Rea, Tony Garza, Justin Garza, and Michael Leach. Honorary pallbearers will Margaret Tackett, Cindy Long, Tina Autrey, Karen Jones, Joyce Van Norman, Timothy Garza and Sean Vincent.
Memorials may be made to Faith Outreach Church, 31312 County Line Road, Okolona, MS. 38860. Condolences may be e mailed to hollandfuneraldirectors@comcast.net
