of Little Rock, AR
January 16, 1935 - February 19, 2014
Betty was born January 16, 1935 in Denver, Colorado to Lt. Col. W.D. and Vita Dickinson. She attended elementary school at the US Military Academy at West Point where her father served on the faculty all during WW II. After the war, her family returned to Little Rock where Betty graduated from Little Rock High School. Betty graduated from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority and met her husband, Don Henderson.
Betty was a devoted wife and mother, and a mentor to many who shared common interests with her. Betty was always willing to lend her time and talents for a worthy cause, and was effective both as a project leader and as a willing worker. Over her lifetime she enjoyed participating in projects to the fullest.
Betty loved everything to do with flowers. She cultivated prize winning flowers, designed award-winning arrangements, worked on the Arkansas State Flower and Garden show from its inception, and exhibited her original designs at flower shows for the last 30 plus years. Betty was a retired ''Consulting Rosiarian'' for the American Rose Society, a retired Master Gardener, a Life Master Judge, and was awarded the ''Circle of Roses'' membership for 25 years of service to the Arkansas Federation of Garden Clubs. She was past president of the Greater Little Rock Council of Garden Clubs, and an Honorary Life Member of the council. She was a member of the Central AR Iris Society, Central AR Horticulture Society, Wildflower and Chenal Garden Clubs, and Designer's Study Club, and was a charter member of Verna Garvan Design Study Club in Hot Springs and a charter member of Garvan Gardens.
One of her greatest pleasures was to lead others through the process of becoming a flower show judge and to share her knowledge with fledgling designers.
Betty enjoyed traveling with her husband, Don, showing their Champion Shetland Sheepdogs. One year their dog was the top winning Sheltie in Canada and another year their dog was the top winner in the United States. For many years they traveled all around the United States judging dog shows. Betty was a Life Member of the Arkansas Kennel Club.
In her later years, Betty's life revolved around the activities and fellowship of Covenant Presbyterian Church where she enjoyed helping with the altar flowers, attending Bible studies and participating in small group gatherings.
Betty is survived by her husband of 56 years, Donald R. Henderson; their son, Drew Henderson of North Dakota; their granddaughter, Hannah Henderson and her mother, Caroline Robertson of Bryant, Arkansas. Betty is also survived by her stepmother, Emily Dickinson; her sister-in-law, Judy Henderson of Magnolia; and her very special nephew, Dr. Rob Henderson of Dallas, Texas. She also leaves behind nephew, Bill Lawrence and nieces, Peggy Lawrence and Vicki Lawrence.
Betty was preceded in death by her daughter, Cathy Henderson; her sister, Julia Lawrence of Rogers and her brother-in-law, Judge Bob Henderson of Magnolia.
Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Monday, February 24, 2014 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Arkansas 72211 (501) 224-8300.
A graveside service will be take place Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. at Roselawn Memorial Park, 2801 Asher Avenue, Little Rock, Arkansas.
A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1 Covenant Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas 72211 with Reverend Tim Reed presiding. He will be assisted by Reverend Del Farris.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the building fund at Covenant Presbyterian Church.
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15 Condolence(s)
Donna Jaquier
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Betty was a wonderful Christian woman. She was kind and generous to everyone. I have so many memories of the great times we had together. Don, enjoy all those wonderful memories and I know some day you will see her again. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love, Donna
MIKE BOWEN
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
DON,
SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR LOSS. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.
Mark Shipp
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
While words cannot assuage the pain of your grief, the testament of faith, hope and love which is Betty's legacy must be a source of great pride for you all in her passing. She will be greatly missed by so many whose lives she touched in such meaningful, sacrificial ways. Don, your unwavering devotion to her has also been the shining light of God's love reflected in your marriage and family. The prayers of all of us at Central Arkansas Iris Society are with you in this great loss.
Nancy & Dennis Sobba
Monday, February 24, 2014
We will always remember Betty (and you Don) for welcoming us into the dog show world. I smile when recalling the tactful way Betty told us that our dog might be better at herding than in a show ring :-)
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Don. Heaven truly has another angel.
Janet Warren
Monday, February 24, 2014
My prayers are with you during this time. Loved you both so much.
Janet Warren Perritt & Vickers Inc.
Barry Crabtree
Monday, February 24, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Barry and Melissa Crabtree
Sammy Crabtree
Monday, February 24, 2014
Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Sammy and Mary Crabtree
Cindy Trickey
Monday, February 24, 2014
Don & Drew,
May your memories give you comfort, may your faith keep you safe, may your family and friends surround you with strength.
May God's peace, comfort and love be with you all at this time.
Scotty & Carol Freebairn
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Drew has been a wonderfully close friend for many years, and we extend our deepest sympathy to Drew and the entire Henderson family on the passing of Mrs. Henderson.
Jim & Nora Rengers
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Don & Drew, we are so saddened by Betty's
passing. She was a great neighbor and friend
and we will miss her. Our thoughts and
prayers are with you and your family.
Jim & Nora
Van Gardner
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Thinking and praying for you, Van
Carolyn R. Guth
Saturday, February 22, 2014
It has been a privilege to have known Betty, even though I have only lived in AR for 3 years. It was evident to me that Betty was a godly Proverbs 31 woman and loved by many. She told me before her surgery that she wanted to make sure you, Don, were settled in your new house should anything happen to her. May God strengthen, edify, and encourage you and your family in the months to come. By His Grace and For His Glory, Carolyn R. Guth
Jim and Ann Nowell
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Betty had the gift of hospitality and we will always remember her service for the glory of The Lord Jesus Christ.
It was our pleasure knowing her .
Joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5
Jim and Ann Nowell
Cathy McDow
Friday, February 21, 2014
Even before David & I moved to Little Rock, you and Betty were always gracious towards us and generous with your time when we were in town visiting. Don, you were always so supportive of me and a great mentor during my career, and you both made us feel so welcomed when we moved to Little Rock. Betty was a warm, loving woman with wonderful smile and sense of humor. We are so glad to have known her and will miss her. David and I are so very sorry for your loss, Don, but know Betty is at peace with her Savior. God Bless.
Debbra Christenson
Friday, February 21, 2014
Mr. Henderson,
It was an honor to share the last few months with you and Betty. You demonstrated to me the true devotion of a dedicated husband. Your love for Betty was so evident. It was a joy to witness but sad at the same time knowing that your time with Betty on earth was coming to an end. I am so sorry for the sadness and grief you must be feeling. You and Betty both are true disciples of Christ. You shared with me one day what a Godly woman Betty was, this is the way I will always remember her.
Debbra Christenson
Home Hospice Volunteer