Valma Henson

VALMA RUTH THOMPSON HENSON was born on February 23, 1911 in Westmoreland County, Virginia. She was the seventh of nine children born to the late Joseph and Sarah Aston Thompson. All of her siblings preceded her in death. At an early age, Valma accepted Christ as our Lord and joined the Potomac Baptist Church in Hague, Virginia. Her education experience began as a child at the Potomac School in Westmoreland County in Virginia. As a young teenager, she was sent to Baltimore. She enrolled and graduated from Frederick Douglass High School. Following graduation Valma retuned to night school to pursue a diploma in Commercial and Business studies. She also attended a local junior college and Cortez Peters Business School. As a young lady, Valma continued her relationship with our Lord at Sharon Baptist Church Sunday School under the tutelage of Miss Emily Carter. She later attended and joined, with other family members, Perkins Square Baptist Church. While attending Perkins Square, she met and married William James Washington. Of that union, two children, Marie and Delano were born. Following a divorce, Valma’s faith grew stronger as she became the sole provider for her children. She praised GOD daily and thanked Him for providing a myriad of opportunities for her to earn an honest living. Many employment opportunities were made available to her during her life, the last employment being with the State of Maryland from which she retired in 1975. Valma’s quest to continue her education and her continuous reaffirmation of her faith in GOD became her hallmark within her family and life. Valma enriched her children with love, respect, faith, and numerous childhood experiences that became part of their firm foundation. This included Sharon Baptist Church Sunday School, where they followed their mother’s lead and became members in their childhood. It was at Sharon Baptist Church that Valma met and married Maurice Henson in February 1954. He was an avid Sharon member and supporter of the Adult Sunday School. This union grew in faith and in the church. It ended with Maurice’s death in of August 1983. Sharon Baptist Church became Mother’s “other family” with its richness of love, friendship, generosity and support. Under the pastorate of Dr. Vaughn, Mother became a Deaconess and then a Deacon. She loved all of the church organizations where she became a member, but in particular the Church Life and Birthday Circles. Mother also loved the children of the church. She supported their activities, provided counseling (when requested), and took pride in their many achievements. She leaves many of these children who join us in sorrow at this time. In transition, Valma leaves: her daughter, Marie W. Phillips; son, Wm. Delano T. Washington; daughter-in-law, Marilynn W. Washington; son-in-law, Treadwell O. Phillips; grandchildren, Jerryl and Jerilynn Payne, Cheryl and Deryk Phillips, Nicole W. Selby and Michael M. Washington; ten great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. She also leaves one special nephew, Kernie Thompson, whom she assisted in his early development, growth, and Christian experience and whom she considered her other son.

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Valma Henson

February 23, 1911 - September 21, 2013