Sharon Jefferson Henderson | Eastern NC Now

    Sharon Jefferson Henderson, 79, passed away at ECU Health Beaufort Hospital in Washington, North Carolina, on October 14, 2026.

    She was born on March 13, 1947, to Eldon Knight Jefferson and Peggy Covington Jefferson of Henry County, Virginia. Early in her life, she made a profession of faith and became a member of Horsepasture Christian Church in Ridgeway, Virginia.

    Blessed with a large extended family in Henry County, Sharon spent her formative years surrounded by two beloved sisters, numerous cousins, and two precious grandmothers.

    She graduated from Drewry Mason High School in Ridgeway in 1965. After earning a degree in special education from Radford College in Radford, Virginia, in 1969, she embarked on a decades-long career as a teacher.

    She and her husband of 57 years, Jerry Lee Henderson, raised four children in Silver Spring, Maryland, and the couple enjoyed their retirement in Washington, North Carolina. She took great delight in family, music, traveling, holidays, bird-watching, the coast, and the Virginia Tech Hokies.

    Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and brother-in-law Gary M. Kendall.

    She is survived by son Darren (Marianne) Henderson of Laytonsville, Maryland; daughter Lynda (Jimmy) Rostar of Greenville, North Carolina; daughter Courtney (Ben) Davies of Washington, North Carolina; daughter Amanda (Mike DeTroia) Henderson of Silver Spring, Maryland; six grandchildren; sisters Sheila K. (Buzzy) Dunning and Susan J. (Steve) Hensley; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

    A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

    Sharon believed in the world's goodness and embodied the lyrics of a favorite musician, Keb' Mo':

    "Life is beautiful, life is wondrous

    Every star above is shining just for us

    Life is beautiful, on a stormy night

    Somewhere in the world, the sun is shining bright."

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Henderson family.