Heaven has opened to welcome home one of God's faithful sons in the ministry, the Reverend Benny Will Henry. 

 Benny Will Henry was born in Sallis, Mississippi to James (Jack) and Estella Henry on June 4, 1946. He was summoned to 
 his heavenly reward on Monday, March 10, 2025, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, Mississippi. At a young 
 age, he confessed Christ as his Lord and Savior under the leadership of Reverend Richard Holmes at Mt. Olive M.B. Church. 

 He received his formal education from the Lamar County Training School and graduated from Hopewell High School 
 in 1964. In that same year, he joined the United States Army. In 1968, Benny was united in holy matrimony to Ruby Lee 
 Gardner and to this union two children were born: Regina and Benjamin. Benny was employed as a tool and dye maker for 
 American Bosch/United Technologies before he retired. 

 In 1983, he accepted his call to the ministry and was ordained under the leadership of the late J.J. Richardson on October 
 25, 1984. During his early years in his ministry, he pastored Halbert Mission M.B. Church. In 1987, he became the pastor of Mt. Olive M. B. Church. Believing in God's word and living on His Holy promises, Pastor Henry was a faithful servant- 
 leader pastoring for 38 years. He preached the "whole word of God", which included being empowered by the Holy Spiritand the Spirit-filled life, prayed for the sick, poor, and bound, and proclaimed the hope of Jesus Christ. For more than 40 
 years, Pastor Henry was on the Trustee Board of the Canaan-Pickensville District and he was the chairman for the last five 
 years. Pastor Henry was the certified music instructor for the Congress of Christian Education for over 30 years. He also 
 served as the Missionary Liaison for the Canaan-Pickensville District. Pastor Henry held multiple certificates in church 
 leadership from the Samford University Extension Division. 

 He was a spiritual mentor and spiritual father to countless scores of people. He was a dedicated servant who faithfully 
 served as a role model in the community, while impacting the lives of many throughout the area. 
 His wit, humor, preppy walk, and warm smile were infectious. When individuals departed from his presence, they were 
 friends and their spirits were uplifted and strength renewed. 
 John 14:1-3 

  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.  

  In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  

  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself;  

  that where I am, there ye may be also  

 Pastor Benny Henry departed this earthly life, leaving behind a wealth of memories that we can hold near and dear—his 
 smile, warm personality, love for people, and caring spirit. He never met a stranger and visited anyone in their home, 
 hospital, or nursing facility. We thank God for allowing him to live such a rewarding life. We will miss him, but Heaven is 
 rejoicing. 

 Pastor Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Estella Henry; brothers, John Spurgen Henry and Willie 
 Frank Henry, Sr.; sisters, Jessie Mae Henry and Earlene Wynn; uncle, Taylor (Sonny) Henry; and wife of 49 years, Ruby Lee 
 Gardner Henry. 

 He leaves to cherish his memories: two adult children, Regina (Marcus) Wash of Ethelsville, AL and Benjamin (Marian) 
 Henry of Bessemer, AL; grandchildren, Lily, Zackary, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel; one brother, Leon (Bessie) Henry; one sister, 
 Elnora Porter; one sister-in-love, Ercieteen (Alex) Crawford of Atlanta, GA; four brothers-in-love, Reverend LA (Mertha) 
 Gardner, Henry A. Gardner, both of Ethelsville, AL, Eugene Gardner and Reverend Willie James (Rosie) Gardner, both of 
 Columbus, MS, and Reverend Clarence (Sheila) Gardner of Toledo, OH; sisters-in-love, Mattie (George) Williams, Barbara 
 Dumas, Sanfo Morris, and Bernetta (Ricky) Davis, all of Columbus, MS; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, church 
 family, and many loving friends. Pastor Henry, affectionately known as "Uncle Paw Paw", adopted Sylvester, Tajshmen, 
 Syrus, Andrew, Vernessa, Arquetia, Mark, Adrienne, Ajah, Londyn, and Cjay.