Gladys Crowther Henson was born in Collinsville (Kemper County), Mississippi on August 17, 1931. She was the daughter of Luke Sr. and Johnnie Mae McWilliams Creer. Both of Gladys' parents preceded her to Glory. She was also predeceased by her infant son, Billy Crowther; as well as her husbands, Seymour Crowther, Howard Hannah and Albert Henson; stepson, Ervin Crowther, Sr.; stepdaughters, Minnie Tamayo and Nettie Mae Crowther; and her siblings, Luke Creer, Jr., Johnny B. Creer, Sr., Lonnie Mae Watson and Bertha Ann McDougal.

Formative years for Gladys were spent in her native Collinsville where she attended the schools of Kemper County. Like many of her generation, her formal education was limited; however, her wisdom far exceeded that of most people. After reaching adulthood, Gladys moved to Detroit, Michigan where she worked for the Detroit Public Schools System. After raising her family and retiring, she returned to her native Collinsville. She and her husband, Albert Henson, began their own business enterprises: a lawncare service, mobile home park, janitorial service and produce market.

Gladys possessed an abiding faith in God. Her Christian walk with the Lord began many years ago. She was a longtime member of Simmons Chapel Baptist Church. She served faithfully over the years in numerous capacities, including: Deaconess, Church Secretary, Church Treasurer, Sunday School Teacher and Church Mother.

Mother Henson's love and legacy will live on forever in the hearts of her sons: Ezell (Linda) Crowther, Southfield, MI, Leville (Kimona) Crowther, Schertz, TX; daughters: Dr. Bettie Ann Goss, Porter Ranch, CA, Elaine Lovett, Detroit, MI, Etoy (Ivory) Burks, Shirley Crowther, St. Cloud, MN, Gladys (Rodney) Billups, Tallahassee, FL and Susan (Leonard) Stewart of Tacoma, WA; stepdaughters: Jeaunetta Vaughn, Meridian, MS and Jean (Curtis) Clements of Philadelphia, PA; 20 grandchildren; several great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; brother: Curtis (Betty) Creer of Dekalb, MS; sisters: Georgia Seales and Annie Eloise Wells, both of Moss Point, MS, Laura Stewart and Vivia (Willie) Pearson, both of Meridian, MS and Jeanette (Wayne) Steele of Dekalb, MS; brother- in-law: Reverend Charlie Watson of Meridian, MS; along with countless nieces, nephews, other relatives and loving friends.