Carlene Minnie Henson

John Nelson
Apr 22
2 min read

Carlene Minnie Henson, born March 5, 1943, in Alton, IL, passed away in Coos Bay, OR, on April 14, 2025, at 82, due to age and dementia. Growing up on a farm, she loved the outdoors and riding horses. Carlene left school in the ninth grade to support her mother and siblings, working various jobs before marrying James Ira Henson, whom she met at age 19 at a bible study. They were married for over 60 years until his death in 2023.

Carlene’s answer to all of life’s challenges included an easy smile and resolute faith in God. She had three children who created additional breadth and depth to her life. Carlene was fun-loving and pure of heart, enjoying the journey of raising children and making all the ends meet to keep the home together.

Carlene was a baptized Jehovah's Witness, dedicated to teachings of the Bible and studied scriptures with great devotion, and loved her congregation within the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses.

Once her youngest child was in middle school, Carlene earned her GED and CNA from Southwestern Oregon Community College. She offered compassionate care in skilled nursing and group homes, then moved into the accounting office to provide financial management for transitional home residents for over 20 years.

Although never rich in worldly possessions, Carlene provided her family with an abundance of loving kindness, patience, laughter, self-sacrifice and forgiveness that cannot be matched. She is survived by her forever grateful children; Anna Chavez and life partner Bryan Roberson of Kingman, AZ; Charles Henson and wife Jody Henson of Coos Bay, OR; Carla Henson-Guye and husband Darwin Guye of Coos Bay, OR. Her beloved grandchildren include; Tyler Henson and wife Firenze Rodriguez of Pleasant Hill, CA; Dana Henson of Portland, OR; Shelena Chavez-Brown and husband Javon Brown of Centralia, WA; and her first grandson, Carlos Henson-Rodriguez. She is also survived by two sisters, Linda Guyton and Janice Bielby of Salmon, ID.

Carlene will be missed without reprieve by those who loved her.

Cremation rites have been held under the direction of Nelson's Bay Area Mortuary, 405 Elrod Ave, Coos Bay, Oregon 541/267-4216