Bea Henson, lovingly and affectionately remembered by many as “Miss Bea,” passed away on May 16, 2026, at Charter Senior Living of Paducah, Kentucky, at the age of 88.
Born on December 24, 1937, in Livingston County, Kentucky, Bea lived a life marked by faith, kindness, and devotion to her family and church. She was a faith-filled, loving, and friendly woman whose gentle spirit touched everyone who knew her. Bea carried herself with grace and warmth, and she will be remembered for the way she made others feel welcome, cared for, and valued.
Bea devoted much of her life to serving alongside her husband, Dr. Willis W. Henson, as a minister’s wife. She supported him faithfully in his ministry and in the churches he served, offering encouragement, hospitality, and a true servant’s heart. She was a longtime member of Lone Oak First Baptist Church, where Dr. Henson served as pastor for 29 years. Bea loved to sing and was always a faithful member of the church choir, sharing her voice and her heart in worship. She will also be lovingly remembered by children at the church as director of the 5th-grade Sunday School class for most of those 29 years.
In the mid-1970s, Bea taught kindergarten at Lone Oak First Baptist Church, where she earned the nickname “Miss Bea.” From that time forward, she was known by that name with great affection. Her kindness, patience, and loving nature made a lasting impression on the children and families she served. She was especially known for the genuine care she extended to others in both small and meaningful ways. Among her many gifts, she was also known for making the best bread and desserts, a simple but cherished expression of her love.
Bea is survived by her daughter, Tammee Murphy, and her fiancé, Mark Strader, of Richmond, Kentucky; her son, Chris Henson, and his wife, Carrie, of Paducah, Kentucky; her brother, “AB” Dukes, of Paducah, Kentucky; four grandchildren, Lauren (Jeremy) Elias, Dylan (Kristin) Murphy, Kelsee Henson, and Brenden Brown; twelve great-grandchildren; and many cherished nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 67 years, Dr. Willis W. Henson; her sister, Sylvia Dove; her brothers, Bill Dukes, Lonnie Dukes, and Dean Dukes; and her parents, Oliver and Ethel Dukes. An outpouring of love and thankfulness to her sitters over the years, and caregivers at Charter, who all loved her as if she were their own.
Bea’s life was a beautiful reflection of steadfast faith, loving service, and enduring devotion. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her family, her church family, and all who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 22, 2026, at the Lone Oak First Baptist Church with Dr. Scott Thomas officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Kenton Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. Friday at the church.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Lone Oak First Baptist Church Building Fund, 3601 Lone Oak Road, Paducah, KY 42003.
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Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah is in charge of arrangements.
