Dorothy Frances Brown Henderson

Dorothy Frances Brown Henderson of Brandon, MS — whose lifetime of service touched countless lives and whose sweet spirit was beloved by family, friends, and widespread community — went to be with the Lord on April 10, 2023. She was 80.

Born October 12, 1942, Dorothy was the epitome of grace, poise, and gumption. As a young woman, she was a cheerleader and majorette—with baton or tambourine in hand and Elvis tunes on the radio. Upon meeting her husband of over 62 years, Dr. Gene Henderson, she channeled her love of people and joy of entertaining into a ministry built on hospitality, regularly opening “Dot’s Diner” to host Sunday lunch for church members, neighbors, and visitors the world over. When you walked into her home you instantly felt warmth, a welcoming embrace, and smelled her famous Cathead Biscuits baking in the oven. An embroidered frame hung in the hallway to greet you, sewn with a familiar phrase that she lived out every day for 8 decades: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”.

She also taught everything from preschool to senior adults and when Dr. Henderson was in seminary, the people of Sunflower Baptist Church said she was the best pastor they ever had. Later in life, she led “The Boas”—named for the feather boas they playfully donned—a group of treasured friends with whom she would have weekly bible study and fellowship.

She cherished family and would say her greatest accomplishments were her 5 children, 17 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren. She also formed special relationships with those she called her “Chosen Children”. Dorothy’s family has hosted several “Going To Heaven” parties over the past few weeks, celebrating both her life and coming victory in Jesus. Her loved ones find comfort in a statement she often used to console them in seasons of change: “This too shall pass”.  In her last days she declared, “heads I win, tails I win”, a powerful testimony to her faith and assurance of salvation.

Over the course of Dr. and Mrs. Henderson’s ministry, they served at:

Looxahoma Baptist Church, Looxahoma MS
Carrolton Baptist Church Carrolton MS
Sunflower Baptist Church Sunflower MS

Galilee Baptist Church. Zachary, LA

Fairview Baptist Church, Columbus, MS

First Baptist Church, Greenville, MS

First Baptist Church, Brandon, MS
Plus numerous interim ministries after Dr. Henderson’s redirection

She is preceded in death by:
The late Myles and Ruth Brown (parents)

She is survived by:

Dr. Gene Henderson of Brandon, MS (husband)

Bobby and Liz Brown of Carrolton, GA (brother)

Her children Gina Henderson Palasini of Nashville, TN, Page Henderson Hughes (Dr. Les Hughes) of Alabaster, AL, Justice Dawn Henderson Beam (Dr. Stephen Beam) of Sumrall, MS, Dr. Chip Henderson (Christy Henderson) of Flowood, MS, and Hope Henderson Davis (Bradly Davis) of Brandon

Her grandchildren, Madison Palasini, Maci Palasini, and Joshua Palasini of Nashville, TN, Michael Palasini (Peyton) of Leland, MS, Dr. Kyle Hughes (Lacey) of Hartford, AL, Caleb Hughes (Brooke) of Meridian, MS, Gene’ Hughes Mastellar (Zach) of Nashville, TN, Luke Hughes (Lily) of Wake Forest, NC, Will Newman (Snow) of Alexandria, VA, Sam Newman (Taylor) of Ocean Springs, MS, Matthew Beam of Fairfax County, VA, Jason Beam of Cypress, TX, and Amy Beam of Austin, Texas, Rachel Henderson Parnell (Todd) of Dallas, TX , McKenzie Henderson Miskelly (Franklin) of Starkville, MS, and Jon Regan Henderson of Flowood, MS and Benjamin Davis of Brandon, MS

And 17 great grandchildren

Pallbearers:

All grandsons

Honorary Pallbearers:

Dr. Ron Cannon

J.W. Dappen

George Gilreath

Pat Guest

Dan Martin

Steve Rives

Barney Tanner

Tommy Thrash

Joe Usry

Visitation will be on Friday, April 14 at Pinelake Church, 6071 MS-25, Brandon, MS from 5-8 p.m.  Funeral service will be Saturday, April 15 at Pinelake Church 6071 MS-25, Brandon, MS at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Second Line Parade and burial at Crestview Memorial Gardens, 1106 Star Road, Brandon, MS

The family wishes to express our appreciation to Karen Bedells, Southern Medical Consultants, LLC, and Kare in Home Hospice for covering Dorothy and our family with love.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in the International Mission Board, imb.org, designate memorial for Dorothy Henderson or Hope Rising Mississippi at hoperisingms.org or that you join us in continuing our family’s commitment to spread Hope across Mississippi every day of our lives.