Jeff Stephen Henson

Jeff Stephen Henson, 68, born on Feb. 6, 1954, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, died on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023.

He was preceded in death by his father, the Rev. Paul F. Henson; brothers, James Timothy Henson and Paul Christopher Henson; and grandparents, Pearl and Jeff Humphries and Rosie Bertie and Jefferson Henson.

He is survived by his three children and five grandchildren; his mother, Geri Henson; siblings, Jan Crawford (Alex Crawford), Elizabeth Ann Harris (Andy Harris), Tammy Denise Shaw (Ira Shaw) and James Timothy Henson II; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Steve attended Cleveland High School and loved music, football, water skiing and boating on the river. He was a talented musician and won the Tap Talent Show twice, sponsored by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, singing and playing accompaniment on his guitar. When he played football, he held the defensive end position. He also was the CHS Raider Mascot, who rode the stallion across the football field to bring out the Raider team.

Steve’s proudest moment in life was becoming a father. He loved his children and wanted the best for them.

Steve was a veteran of the US Marine Corps and received a National Defense Service Medal. He received an honorable discharge in 1972 due to physical difficulties. He worked as a self-employed carpenter/painter for many years. Steve battled mental illness throughout his adult life and tried his best to make sense of his ever-present issues. Those who were friends with Steve as a young man knew him as a handsome, funny and talented guitarist who enjoyed entertaining. Growing up, he loved traveling the country with his family and singing on the stage in his dad’s ministry.

Steve loved God the best way he could. He knew the Bible and could quote scriptures and Dad’s sermons verbatim. Steve loved his mother beyond measure until his last breath.

The Remembrance of Life Graveside Service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023, at Peachtree Memorial Park in Atlanta, Georgia, with family and friends sharing.

You may share your condolences and memories with the Henson family at www.jimrushfuneralhomes.com  

The Jim Rush Funeral and Cremation Services, North Ocoee Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.