Odessa Henderson

“I HAVE FOUGHT A GOOD FIGHT, I HAVE FINISHED MY COURSE. I KEPT THE FAITH. HENCEFORTH IS LAID UP FOR ME A CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.”- 2 Timothy 4:7-8.  
 

Odessa Carlisle Henderson (also known as “Ydessie” or “Lady Y”) was born on March 10, 1951, in Waynesboro MS to the late Vera Tatum and to the late Mr. and Mrs. Sam and Leona Carlisle. Odessa departed her life on Nay 13, 2023, at her home surrounded by loved ones. 
 

Odessa attended Waynesboro Riverview School where she graduated in 1969. She also attended Mary Holmes College. Odessa was a faithful member of Chapel Hill MB Church, where she served as the President of the Pastor Aide Committee and a member of the Mission Board until her health failed. Odessa worked for Pine Belt Mental Health for fifteen years until her retirement. 
 

She was preceded in death by her sisters:  Thomasine Grizzley, Minnie Whigham, and Victoria Buckhalter; one grandson, Efrem Kishon Budd, and her husband Herschel Henderson. 
 

She is survived by three loving children:  Kenya Budd of Portland, OR, Ryan (Sharonda) Henderson of Buckatunna, MS, and Kimberly Henderson of Waynesboro, MS; six grandchildren:  Elleona Katherine Budd and Zora LiQuinn Budd Baker of Portland, OR, Ryan M. Chambers and Kasia K. Henderson both of Waynesboro, MS, Ashley Woulard and Dee Mason of Buckatunna, MS; one great grandchild, Ayden Woulard. 
 

She is also survived by a very devoted brother:  Christopher (Cathy) Gray of Hattiesburg, MS; a loving sister:  Razella Hayes of Hattiesburg, MS; two godchildren:  Dashia McDougle and Darrius Thomas of Waynesboro, MS, who will lovingly remember her. Also sharing her cherished memories are a host of nieces, nephews, friends, relatives, and a very devoted and loving caretaker, Sonya West. 
 

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 3:00 PM at Chapel Hill Baptist Church in Waynesboro MS, officiated by Rev. Danny Ray Bolton. Interment will follow at Waynesboro Cemetery. 
 

There will be a viewing Friday, May 19, 2023 from 12:00 noon until 6:00 PM at Turner Funeral Home. 

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