Mildred Odessa Henson

“A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” - John 13:34Mildred Odessa Burton Henson, was born in Baltimore, Maryland on September 10, 1922, to Edwin and Lena Swearinger Burton. At the young age of 8 Mildred was orphaned when both of her parents passed away. “Odessa” as she was also called in early years was adopted and raised by Oscar and Flora Whims.She was educated in the Baltimore public school system. Mildred graduated from Dunbar High School in June of 1941. After graduating from high School she attended what was then known as Morgan State College and the Cortez Peters School of Business, where she learned to type and other clerical skills.Enjoying her young adult life Mildred and her best girlfriend Mary “Mitzie” (deceased) eventually dated and married brothers John and Solomon Henson. Mildred was married to John Wesley Henson Sr. on October 28, 1948. To this union the couple was blessed with four children, John Wesley Jr., Muriel Lisa (deceased) Arnold Mathew and Terri Jean.Mildred’s employment included the Internal Revenue Service, Fort Holabird and the U.S. Post Office, in which she retired on July 29, 1983 after 31 years of service.One of her most cherished experiences was her visit to the Republic of the Ivory Coast in May 1977, to visit her daughter Lisa and three granddaughters Monique, Marie and Amy (deceased).Another significant moment in Mildred’s life was when she found four out of her six siblings who were separated as young children when her parents passed away. She was reunited with Bertha Burton (deceased), Leonard Burton (deceased), Alma Burton (deceased) and Calvin Burton (deceased).After and extended illness Mildred quietly departed this life on Monday, November 8, 2004 at 10 a.m. at Northwest Hospital, Randallstown, Maryland.Left to cherish her memory: her husband of 56 years John: the children, Wesley Henson Jr. of Springfield, Virginia, Arnold Henson of Laguna Beach, California and Terri Henson of Owings Mills, Maryland; five grandchildren, Monique Sylla, Marie Sylla of Falls Church, Virginia, Andrew Henson of Laguna Beach, California, Ashley and Dana Henson of Springfield, Virginia; two daughters-in-law, Dottie Henson and Teresa Henson; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.Mildred leaves behind a legacy of strength, perseverance, and family, which will forever be instilled in her children, grandchildren and future generations to pass.

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Mildred Odessa Henson

September 10, 1922 - November 8, 2004