Era Nell Henson

July 10, 1929 - February 14, 2020

ERA NELL HENSON ("DIT" GRIMES) Born in Daleville, AL on July 10, 1929, went to be with the Lord at age 90 on February 14, 2020 in Hiram, GA. The 6th of 7 children, she was a beautiful child who grew up to be a gorgeous, wise, graceful, Christian woman. The family moved to Wauchula, FL when she was in 4th grade. She was chosen to be cheerleader in Wauchula High School, memories of fun, which she cherished. At 15, she started pre-flighting airplanes in Avon Park, FL. After high school graduation, with the savings she earned, she moved to Washington, DC, with her sister, Elna Moore and family. While working in DC on White House Stationary Embossing, she met and married Carl C. Henson, Jr in 1950. They raised their family in the Mt Vernon area of Alexandria, VA. Nell went on to work as a Sales Associate at a Department Store in the Jewelry department, a Legal Secretary, a public school Cafeteria "Lunch Lady", helped to run a joint-family fishing/camping business in TN, and last, after moving to Panama City, FL, a Caregiver for babies at Lynn Haven Daycare. Stricken with Crohn's Disease for the last 60 years, which led to many illnesses, she fought a courageous fight. Kidney Disease ultimately took her life since dialysis wasn't an option. She stayed strong until the end, never using a cane or walker. She always told us, "I can do it myself ". And she did. Her love of our Lord Jesus Christ, all Birds and Flowers, was apparent to all who knew her. She founded "The Women's Christian Circle " and hungered for The Word, as she studied in depth. A keeper of traditions, passing down family recipes, and starting her own traditions, our family will continue to honor them, in her name. Era Nell Henson is survived by her 3 children. Melinda (Nelson) Lackey, Sandy Henson, Chris Henson. Also survived by 5 grandchildren. Tiana (Gary) Wise, Katrinna (Daniel) Quackenbush, Melina (Jay) Washington, Whitney (Anthony) Lackey, George Lackey. 6 Great Grandchildren. Austin, Elijah, Cayden, Jaxon, Sarah Marie, EraNell, Ethan (deceased). Survived by 1 sister, Faye Hanusch. Predeceased by her parents, Otto B. Grimes and Julia B. Grimes, her husband Carl C. Henson Jr., siblings Kathryn Grimes, Elna Moore, Fred Grimes, Ray Grimes and Murry Grimes. Survived by 5 Nieces, Gail, Brenda, Patty, Beverly, Deborah and Lisa Marie. 8 Nephews, Gary M., Lance, Bob, Gary H.,Michael, David, Tom, Rick, Kendall, Keith, Patrick and Andrew. A viewing will be held at Jefferson Funeral Chapel, 5755 Castlewellen Drive, Alexandria, VA 22315, Thursday, February 20, 2020 from 10AM until time of service at 11AM. Interment immediately following at Mt. Comfort Cemetery, 6600 S. Kings Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22306.