Jean Henson Black

Jean Henson Black, age 83, of Leeds, Alabama went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 16, 2024. Daughter of the late Fred and Myrtle Henson, Jean was born on October 18, 1940 in Dunnavant, Alabama. Jean worked her way through and graduated from Birmingham Baptist School of Nursing. She started her career at Leeds hospital and was in public health for 2 years. After that she went on to Baptist Montclair hospital where her empathy and selflessness set her apart, making her a beacon of hope for her patients. She worked tirelessly for 33 years, not only as a healer, but also as a source of encouragement to everyone's life she touched.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Jean was a devoted wife, loving mother, and Nana. In 1966 she met the love of her life, Horace Black. Horace and Jean met in church for the first time on a blind date and bonded over their shared love of Jesus Christ. They built a life together based on faith, love, and family. Jean's faith in the Lord was ever present as she served ministering to others as a Sunday school teacher, bible school volunteer, and bereavement committee member, and countless other areas at Valley View Baptist church for many years in Leeds, Alabama.

In her free time, she could often be found caring for others whether at work or at home. She loved to minister to others through prayer, home cooked meals, hand written cards, or simply a phone call. She loved to sew and loved spending time with her sisters Betty and Laura. She also loved to play the piano. One of her greatest joys was her four grandsons. She got so much joy from being a Nana and was so very proud of "her boys". She never missed a chance to brag on them to her friends and family or attend one of their many activities.

Jean is survived by her loving husband, Horace Black; son, Steven (Andrea) Black; daughter, Leigh Ann (Patrick) Smith; four grandsons; Connor Smith, Dillon Smith, Steven Black, Jr. (Bear), and Aiden Black; two sisters, Laura Massey and Betty Brasher; her nephews, and a host of nieces and great nieces. She is preceded in death by her parents Fred and Myrtle Henson, brother Roland Henson and brother-in-laws, Gary Brasher and Larry Massey. A visitation will be held on Tuesday February 20, 2024 from 6:00-8:00 PM from the Chapel of Kilgroe Funeral Home in Leeds, Alabama. A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday February 21, 2024 at 2:00PM from the funeral home. Burial will be at Cedar Grove Cemetery.