Leonard Henderson

Leonard Henderson was born Friday, September 15, 1944 in Clarksdale, MS to the late Bessie Henderson and Leonard Price.  He was reared by his loving grandparents, the late Georgia Hall-Coleman and Floyd Coleman.

Leonard accepted Christ at an early age and was a faithful, lifetime member and deacon of Greater Centennial Baptist Church.  

Leonard was educated in the public schools of Clarksdale, MS.  He was a 1963 graduate of W. A. Higgins High School.  He received his Associates Degree in Health Education from Coahoma Junior College (1965), Bachelor of Science - Physical Education from Jackson State University (1967), Masters of Education from Tennessee State University (1972), Education Specialist Degree in Administration and Supervision (1980).  He was a member of the Master Mason, M. W. Stringer Grand Lodge; the Elks Lodge 556 I.P.B.O.E.P.W; the Jackson State University National Alumni Association and Coahoma County Chapter; Commander of the American Legion Owen James Post 203. Leonard was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated Delta Delta Chapter (Fall 1966) at Jackson State University and founding member (50 year member) of the Clarksdale MS Alumni Chapter.

Leonard dedicated his life to the field of education, serving for over 40 years as a teacher, coach, mentor, and administrator. He touched the lives of countless students, inspiring them to achieve their full potential and become responsible members of society. His unwavering commitment to his students earned him the respect and admiration of all who knew him. In addition to his career in education, Leonard was also a former Mississippi State Representative - District 26, where he worked tirelessly to advocate for his constituents. He was a dedicated public servant, always putting the needs of others before his own.  When he was not working or serving the community, Leonard was an avid hunter and sports enthusiast.

Leonard made his earthly departure on March 4, 2023 and was preceded in death by his mother and father, Bessie Henderson and Leonard Price; grandparents Georgia Hall-Coleman and Floyd Coleman; sister Karlene Murphy; brothers Amos Charles (AC) Henderson, Don Juan Murphy Sr., Jerry Murphy, and Kyrl Murphy.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and colleagues. A viewing will be held on Friday, March 10, from 3 pm to 5 pm, followed by a family hour from 5 pm to 6 pm, at Royal Funeral Home in Clarksdale, MS. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 11, at 11 am, at Chapel Hill MB Church.

Leonard leaves to cherish his fond memories, a loving and devoted wife of 47 years, Cal Courthen Henderson; two children Brian James and Leonette Henderson, Clarksdale, MS; sister Micheline Brown, Chicago, IL; grandchildren, Khari D. Owens, Huntsville, AL, Jessica Iman James, Jackson, MS, Brianna James, Clarksdale, MS, and Cameron Chatman, Horn Lake, MS; great grandchild, Uri Rose James, Jackson, MS; goddaughter, Tarra Rhymes-Slack, Clarksdale, MS; sister-in-laws, Doris Henderson, Gulfport, MS, Sarah Pride and Velma Wilson both of Batesville, MS, Linda Peggs (Robert), Collierville, TN, Berteel Jefferson (Oscar) of Horn Lake, MS, Karen Benson, Millington, TN, Cassandra Autman, Marks, MS, Shauna Doyle (Marshon), Lambert, MS; brother-in-laws Hunter A. Benson (Mary), Los Angeles, CA, Warner Benson (Carrie), Clarksdale, MS, Carl C. Benson (Jewel), Charles Benson (Donna) both of Memphis, TN, Tony Benson (Cassandra), Batesville, MS, Ricky Benson (Pam), Southaven, MS, Tirrell Martin (Aretha) Marks, MS; closest friend, Coach Charles K. Barron, Friars Point, MS and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Leonard Henderson's legacy will live on through the many lives he touched and the positive impact he made on his community.