Beatrice Lucille Henderson was born in Richmond, Virginia on February 2, 1936. She was the oldest child of Emma Gray Coleman Thorpe. The sun set on her life on May 19, 2021. She was preceded in death by her loving mother, Emma; two brothers, Billy Lee and Alonzo; devoted husband, Roger; and precious grandchildren, Sgt. Shawn E. Henderson and Jamel Henderson Taylor.

She was raised in the Fulton area and attended the Richmond Public Schools. She was united in matrimony with Roger and their union was blessed with five children.

Beatrice retired after many devoted years from the Richmond Public School system where she spread her love for learning and teaching children. "Ms. Bea" as she was affectionately called by all that loved her enjoyed interacting and providing comedic relief to all.

She would sit through hours of reality tv, football and basketball games when her grandchildren came to visit and always remembered who liked which team. Beatrice was a person who enjoyed life and loved to dance with her grand and great grandchildren. She enjoyed people and had a way of connecting with them that was remembered long after the encounter.

Beatrice was a member of the Rose Garden Club of Chesterfield, Virginia for many years. Of those years she served as secretary for 2 years. In recent years, she loved attending Senior Connections Friendship Café. She called it "going to work". Her passions in life were her family, snacking, gardening and fishing with Terry and Nickie. Her pastime activities were going to Bingo and playing her computer games.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Terry C. Gant, Roger R. Henderson, Marshall Henderson, Deborah Henderson and Anthony Henderson, Sr.; grandchildren Michael, Aleeta, Kenya, Tarsha, Monifa, Kimberly, Tori, Marshall Jr., Tanisha, Anthony Jr., Ian and Summer; 26 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. Special to Bea's heart were Kim Henderson, Vera Burton and Sally Grady.

Remains rest at Walter J. Manning Funeral Home, 700 N. 25th St., where viewing will take place Thursday, May 27, 2021, from 3 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be private.