Obituaries

Betty Dickinson Henderson

Photo of Betty  Dickinson Henderson
BETTY DICKINSON HENDERSON of Little Rock died Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014 at Hospice Home Care. Betty was born Jan. 16, 1935 in Denver, Colo. to Lt. Col. W.D. and Vita Dickinson. She attended elementary school at the US Military Academy at West Point where her father served on the faculty all during WW II. After the war, her family returned to Little Rock where Betty graduated from Little Rock High School. Betty graduated from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority and met her husband, Don Henderson. Betty was a devoted wife and mother, and a mentor to many who shared common interests with her. Betty was always willing to lend her time and talents for a worthy cause, and was effective both as a project leader and as a willing worker. Over her lifetime she enjoyed participating in projects to the fullest. Betty loved everything to do with flowers. She cultivated prize winning flowers, designed award-winning arrangements, worked on the Arkansas State Flower and Garden show from its inception, and exhibited her original designs at flower shows for the last 30 plus years. Betty was a retired "Consulting Rosiarian" for the American Rose Society, a retired Master Gardener, a Life Master Judge, and was awarded the "Circle of Roses" membership for 25 years of service to the Arkansas Federation of Garden Clubs. She was past president of the Greater Little Rock Council of Garden Clubs, and an Honorary Life Member of the council. She was a member of the Central Arkansas Iris Society, Central Arkansas Horticulture Society, Wildflower and Chenal Garden Clubs, and Designer's Study Club, and was a charter member of Verna Garvan Design Study Club in Hot Springs and a charter member of Garvan Gardens. One of her greatest pleasures was to lead others through the process of becoming a flower show judge and to share her knowledge with fledgling designers. Betty enjoyed traveling with her husband, Don, showing their Champion Shetland Sheepdogs. One year their dog was the top winning Sheltie in Canada and another year their dog was the top winner in the United States. For many years they traveled all around the United States judging dog shows. Betty was a Life Member of the Arkansas Kennel Club. In her later years, Betty's life revolved around the activities and fellowship of Covenant Presbyterian Church where she enjoyed helping with the altar flowers, attending Bible studies and participating in small group gatherings. Betty is survived by her husband of 56 years, Donald R. Henderson; their son, Drew Henderson of North Dakota; their granddaughter, Hannah Henderson and her mother, Caroline Robertson of Bryant, Ark. Betty is also survived by her stepmother, Emily Dickinson; her sister-in-law, Judy Henderson of Magnolia; and her very special nephew, Dr. Rob Henderson of Dallas, Texas. She also leaves behind nephew, Bill Lawrence; and nieces, Peggy Lawrence and Vicki Lawrence. Betty was preceded in death by her daughter, Cathy Henderson; her sister, Julia Lawrence of Rogers; and her brother-in-law, Judge Bob Henderson of Magnolia. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., Monday, Feb. 24, 2014 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Ark. 72211 (501) 224-8300. A graveside service will be take place Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014 at 9 a.m. at Roselawn Memorial Park, 2801 Asher Avenue, Little Rock, Ark. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1 Covenant Drive, Little Rock, Ark. 72211 with Reverend Tim Reed presiding. He will be assisted by Reverend Del Farris. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the building fund at Covenant Presbyterian Church. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.

Published February 23, 2014

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