Betty Sarita Henderson Self passed away peacefully at her home in Oktibbeha County, Mississippi, on December 17, 2025, after over a decade of living with dementia.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Eric Henderson, Sr., and Eula Lee Tucker Henderson, her younger brother, Robert Eric Henderson, Jr., and a niece, Rene Walker Baker.  She is survived by her husband, William Preston Self; her daughters, Phyllis Self and Lee Ann S. Turner (Jon); her granddaughter, Samantha Turner; her sister, Diane Henderson Walker (P. B.); her sister-in-law, Judy Self Buster; her brother-in-law Edwin Self (Mary); and her nephews and a niece, Scott Walker, Craig Walker (Kelli), Eddie Buster (Alana), Tom Buster (Faith), David Buster (Mel), David Allen Buster (Celie), Mark Arick (Peggy), Wayne Arick (Marie), and Michelle Walker Guillot.

In her final years, Betty was cared for by her husband and family, along with the immeasurable, loving support of Virginia Colvin, Cindy Beckwith, Charlene Jones, Mary Doss, and others. The employees of Legacy Hospice provided invaluable medical and personal care and services that enabled Betty to remain at her home, where she was happiest. The entire family is deeply grateful to all of these individuals, and we thank you from our hearts for the joy and comfort you brought to Betty during this stage of her life. She loved you all.

Betty was born in Ridgeland, Mississippi on August 5, 1944, as the first child of Robert Eric Henderson, Sr. and Eula Lee Tucker Henderson. Betty was a proud and loving big sister to Diane and Robert; the three of them were very close and maintained their strong bond through adulthood. She and her family were faithful members of Ridgeland United Methodist Church. Betty attended Madison-Ridgeland High School, graduating as valedictorian in 1962. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in 1966 from Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, Mississippi. Betty loved the “W,” where she made many life-long friends, attained academic honors and participated in sports, clubs, and numerous other extra-curricular activities.

During college, Betty met William Preston Self on a blind date. They fell in love and married on December 19, 1965, a strong and happy union that lasted until her death just two days shy of their sixtieth anniversary.  Betty and Preston had two cherished daughters, Phyllis and Lee Ann. In addition, they opened their home and hearts to foster children, welcoming and nurturing a total of 10 children between 1971 and 1982. They also served as host parents for German exchange students between 1985 and 1987.

Betty had a long career in elementary education. In 1974, she attained her Teacher Certification and taught remedial math in Aberdeen, Mississippi. In 1976, she began teaching elementary physical education with the Columbus Public Schools, a job she held until her retirement after 25 years.  She earned several awards for her teaching and held leadership positions in various state teacher organizations.  She loved her job and colleagues, and the thousands of children she taught over the years, bringing her unique energy and motivation to every class. She also trained and mentored several student teachers during her career.

Betty was a devoted Christian, worshipping at Fairview Baptist Church in Columbus and following Betty and William’s move to Oktoc, at Faith Baptist Church in Starkville and Bethesda Baptist Church in Crawford. Betty and William were involved with many faith and service organizations throughout her life, including the Gideons, participating in numerous outreach and missionary activities. She was motivated by her enormous heart and deep love for God. Betty had a vivacious spirit, full of enthusiasm. She loved music, travel, dancing, the Bulldogs, her friends, and chocolate in any form. She was passionate about education, the church, and civic involvement.

In retirement, Betty loved spending time with her family, especially her adored granddaughter, Samantha. She was Samantha’s biggest fan from day one, always there to cheer her on at theatrical and choral performances. Betty was a wonderful, loving mother to Phyllis and Lee Ann, providing them with a foundation of unconditional support. She loved her son-in-law, Jon Turner. Her husband William was the greatest love of her life and served as her primary caregiver with unwavering devotion and compassion during her long final illness. We are all deeply grateful for Betty’s presence in our lives. Amid the worst ravages of dementia, she could still manage a sparkle in her eye, and until she lost the ability to walk, she was always ready to dance. We loved and miss her and thank you for loving her too.

A Memorial Service for Betty will be held at Bethesda Baptist Church, Crawford, on Saturday, January 17th at 2:00 p.m.  Visitation will start at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a hospice, mental health or dementia research foundation of your choice or to The Gideons International.

You can leave the family a condolence at: www.welchfuneralhomes.com.