Betty Opale Henderson, a remarkable woman of strength, determination, and unwavering faith, passed away on June 21, 2024, in Warner Robins, Georgia, surrounded by the love and support of her family.

Born on December 7, 1939, on a plantation inTalabena, Louisiana, Betty was the second child of Nathan and Ida Scott. Raised outside of Sondheimer, Betty grew up alongside her siblings Nathan Jr. (deceased), Willie (Ceter), and Dorothy Jean, who sadly died shortly after birth.

In 1940, before Betty's first birthday, her family moved to McNary, Arizona, and shortly thereafter settled in Las Vegas, Nevada. Betty attended Westside School through eighth grade and then Las Vegas High School. Following her high school graduation, she moved to Los Angeles to attend Los Angeles City College, staying at the Sojourner Truth Residence for Girls.

In 1960, Betty gave birth to her first child, Shelby Donnell Russell, and married Joe Russell, an Airman in the Air Force. They moved to San Bernardino, California, but divorced shortly afterward. Betty returned to Las Vegas with her son and was employed as a secretary at the Las Vegas Sun Newspaper, where her father also worked. She later became the first female Black Deputy Sheriff Officer at the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, showcasing her trailblazing spirit.

Seeking change in 1961, Betty moved to San Francisco with limited funds but immense faith. She secured a temporary job at Lucky Logger Brewing Company and later a long-term position at Western Union Telegraph Company, where she worked for over 12 years. During this time, she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from San Francisco State University.

In 1966, Betty met Thomas Jefferson Henderson, and they married in 1967. Their union brought forth two daughters, Tanya Jefra Henderson and Nicole Maria Henderson, and Stepson Wayne Jones. The family resided in Oakland, California, actively participating in Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church and Beth Eden Baptist Church. Though Betty and Thomas divorced in 1980, they remained lifelong friends.

Betty's generosity was exemplified in 1972 when she donated a kidney to her brother Nathan, who was seriously ill.

After leaving Western Union, she worked as an Executive Assistant at the Children's Hospital Foundation in Oakland. Balancing her career and motherhood, Betty fulfilled her dream of earning a Juris Doctorate of Law degree from Armstrong College, Berkeley, California, in 1982.

Throughout her life, Betty was actively involved in numerous organizations, including the Westside School Alumni committee, the Professional Black Women's Alliance, the Girl Scout Council, Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc., and the Southern Nevada Council of Concerned Women, and many other organizations. She made history again by becoming the first Black Case Administrator in the state of Nevada at the US Bankruptcy courts.

Betty, a passionate world traveler, left a legacy of adventure and curiosity. Her journeys took her from the vibrant streets of Spain and the tropical beauty of Panama to the cultural richness of Mexico and the picturesque Caribbean islands. Betty's travels also spanned the diverse landscapes of the United States, from the sunny beaches of Hawaii to the charming countryside of New Hampshire. Her love for exploring new places and experiencing different cultures enriched her life and inspired those around her. Betty's adventurous spirit and zest for life will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

In 2004, Betty was diagnosed with cancer and moved to Atlanta, Georgia, with her mother, Ida Webb, for whom she was a caregiver. Betty completed treatment in 2005 and continued to volunteer within the court system, serving as a Mediator for the Department of Family and Children Services Department in Clayton County, Georgia. She was also an active member of Lovejoy Family Church and Union Grove Baptist Church.

Betty was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma on May 29, 2024. Choosing quality of life over aggressive treatments, she passed away peacefully on June 21, 2024. She is survived by her son Shelby Russell and his wife Maria, living in Spain; her daughters Tanya Henderson in California, Nicole Henderson in Georgia; and her stepson Wayne Jones in Las Vegas.

Additionally, Betty is survived by her brother Ceter Scott, many Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren, family members, extended family members, in-laws, and friends, across the United States and overseas.

Betty lived her life unapologetically on her own terms, leaving behind a legacy of perseverance, compassion, and unwavering faith. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

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