Bernice Hodges Henson

Bernice Hodges Henson, 90, of Jefferson City, died Saturday, April 6, 2013, at Oak Tree Villas. She lived a very complete life. She was a loving wife and supportive mother and absolutely crazy about her grandkids. She was born August 14, 1922, in St. Louis, the third daughter of David and Hilda Mueller Hodges. She was a graduate of St. Peter's High School and worked for the State of Missouri for many years including the Missouri Legislature, Department of Revenue, and Construction and Planning. On October 31, 1942, she was united in marriage to Jess J. Henson, who passed away in December of 2008. They were married for 66 years. Bernice loved life and family and friends. She was a people person. She loved all kinds of games, especially a Mueller Family card game, Liverpool Rummy. An avid bridge player, she was a member of several groups and will be remembered by family for her card sharking. She was a member of the Ten-High Dance Club for many years - and how she loved to dance! Both immediate and extended families were extremely important to her. Loving survivors include two daughters, Sharon Smith Cormack (Calvin) of Lake Quivira, Kan., Dana Ponder Zimmerman (Larry) of Jefferson City; one son, Doug Henson (Yobany Mora) of Jefferson City; four grandchildren, Angela Smith Wilke (David) of Lee's Summit, Mo., Jason Smith (Tracy) of Pella, Ia., Craig Ponder (Ann) of Jefferson City and Tim Ponder of Iberia, Mo.; and 11 great-grandchildren. Her parents and two sisters, Thelma Longmeyer of St. Louis, and Dolores Hager of Jefferson City, preceded her in death. Friends will be received from 9:45-10:45 a.m., Wednesday, at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home, Jefferson City. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph with Fr. Phil Niekamp officiating. Entombment will follow in the Resurrection Cemetery Mausoleum. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Hospice Compassus, 600 Monroe Street, Ste 100, Jefferson City, Mo., 65109. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 W. Main. (573) 636-3838. Condolences and memories of Bernice may be left with the family online at: www.millardfamilychapels.com