BLACKSHEAR — Mrs. Elsye Ragan Penn Henderson, 93, of Blackshear, died Friday morning, June 6, 2025, at Harborview Pierce County after an extended
illness.
Henderson
She was born in Hawkinsville, Ga., to the late Willie Hugh Ragan and Elizabeth Knight Ragan. Mrs. Henderson graduated from Hawkinsville High School. She then obtained a Bachelor of Edu cation Degree from South Georgia College in Douglas. She furthered her education by obtaining a Masters in Education Degree from Valdosta State University.
Mrs. Henderson began her teaching career at West Green Elementary School in Douglas. She also taught at T.J. Ritch Elementary School in Jesup, before settling in Waycross and retiring from Memorial Drive Elementary School.
Mrs. Henderson was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Waycross. She was a member of the Charles Wesley Sunday School Class and the United Methodist Women’s organization. She was also a member of the Georgia Association of Educators, the National Education Association, the Georgia Retired Teachers Association and the Ware County Retired Teachers Association. For many years after her retirement from teaching, Mrs. Henderson served as a Pink Lady for Memorial Satilla Health in Waycross where she enjoyed her interaction with patients, their families and the hospital staff.
Along with her parents, she was also preceded in death by her first husband, Phillip E. Penn, Sr.; her second husband, Richard Henderson; her son, Phillip E. “Pepper” Penn, Jr.; her grandson, Robert A. “Rob” Johnson; and four siblings, Gladys Noble, Grace Owen, Althea Daniel, and Willie Hugh “Bill” Ragan.
Mrs. Henderson is survived by her daughter, Pam Penn Brooks and her husband, Keith, of Blackshear; her stepson, Greg Henderson of Chattanooga, Tenn.; three grandchildren, Haley Ragan Ragsdale, Tajla R. Penn, and Tatum Penn Powell; four great grandchildren, Harlow Ragan Ragsdale, Haven Lexanne Ragsdale, Sutton Jude Powell and Crew McClain Powell; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 13 in the Miles-Odum Funeral Home Chapel. A burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Friday at the funeral home beginning at 10 a.m.
Any former students taught by Mrs. Henderson have been asked to serve as honorary pallbearers, and should gather at the funeral home by 10:45 a.m. Friday.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.milesodumfuneralhome. com.
