The life of The Harbor at Opelika resident Rena Henderson has been shaped by faith, family and a generous heart for serving others. Whether she was working at the Chambers County Board of Education, playing the piano at church, preparing a table full of food or sewing late into the night for one of her children, Rena gave her time and talents with love.

Rena and her identical twin, Lena, were born on February 10, 1934, in Chambers County, Alabama. They joined an older brother, Cecil Jones, and grew up in a family where faith and hard work were part of everyday life. Their father was a carpenter whose work left a lasting mark on the family and their community. He built Pleasant View Christian Church, where the family attended, and later built the homes where his daughters lived after they married.



In October 1948, Rena met Jesse Lee Henderson. Jesse was a World War II veteran who had served in the United States Army during the battles and campaigns of New Guinea, the Northern Solomons and Luzon. Their relationship grew into a lifelong partnership, and on June 28, 1952, Rena and Jesse were married.

Together, they raised four children, Mark, Gail, Max and Jan. Their marriage lasted 54 years, filled with family, faith and service, until Jesse’s death in 2007. The legacy they built together has continued to grow and now includes nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Rena also built a long and respected career with the Chambers County Board of Education. She worked there for nearly 40 years, first serving as assistant to the superintendent and later as custodian of school funds. Known for her strong work ethic and careful attention to detail, she approached her responsibilities with the same dedication she brought to every part of her life. She retired in 1991 after decades of faithful service.

Faith was always at the center of Rena and Jesse’s home. Both were deeply involved in their church and served in many different capacities through the years. Rena was the church pianist for many years and also served as financial secretary. Jesse served first as a deacon and later as an elder. Their service was not limited to formal roles. Jesse could often be found cutting the grass outside while Rena cleaned the inside of the church.

Their care for the community extended beyond the church walls. Rena and Jesse often walked the country roads around their community, picking up trash as they went. It was a simple act, but one that reflected the way they lived: noticing what needed to be done and quietly doing it.

Many of Rena’s hobbies began out of necessity and centered on caring for her family, church and friends. She and Jesse always kept a large garden that provided wonderful food for their household. Their children helped tend it, learning valuable lessons about responsibility, patience and hard work along the way. The garden often produced more than the family needed, and Rena and Jesse were always willing to share the plentiful harvest with others.

Rena loved to cook, and some of her children’s fondest memories begin with the smell of breakfast filling the house early in the morning. Sausage or bacon would be cooking alongside biscuits, grits and eggs, giving everyone a warm and hearty start to the day.

Her table was also known for comforting family favorites. She made fried chicken with biscuits and gravy, fresh corn, lima beans and tomatoes. Other beloved meals included meatloaf with English peas and mashed potatoes as well as barbecue chicken with macaroni and cheese. There was always plenty to eat and usually enough left over to share.

Dessert was just as memorable. Rena made caramel cake, fruit cobblers, Mississippi Mud cake and banana pudding. Yet what people remember most was not simply the food. It was the way she welcomed them. Rena had a true gift for hospitality and knew how to make everyone feel at home. No one ever left her house hungry.

Sewing was another important part of Rena’s life. She made many dresses for herself and her daughters while also patching and mending clothes for her sons. Her children remember the sacrifices behind those handmade garments. Many nights, Rena gave up sleep and sewed well into the early morning hours to finish an evening gown or beauty pageant dress. This was long before the ease of online shopping, and if her children needed something special, Rena used her own hands, skill and time to create it for them.

Through every season, Rena has shown her love through action. She worked hard, cared faithfully for her family, served her church and welcomed others into her home with a full table and an open heart. The meals she prepared, clothes she stitched, music she played and countless hours she gave to others all tell the same story: Rena’s greatest joy has always been caring for the people around her.

Rena often says that she is blessed. With four children, nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and a lifetime rich in faith, family and service, she truly is. Just as surely, all those who have been fed, encouraged, welcomed and loved by Rena Henderson have been blessed by her too.