Willie Wesley "Wess" Henderson, Jr., was born on April 13, 1933, in Batesville, Mississippi to the late Willie Wesley Henderson, Sr., and Odessa Walton (Henderson). He answered the Master's call and peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at home. "Wess", as he was known by his family and friends, was one of four children. He is predeceased in death by his parents; wife of 71 years, Loretta "Lois" Henderson; infant son, Gregory Alan Henderson; brother, W.J. Henderson; sister, E.A. Henderson; brother-in-law, Peachy Marrow, Jr.; and three sisters-in-law, Florence Gwynn (Thomas), Delia Jones (Silas), and Rachel Byrd (Coy). Willie completed his formal education in Mississippi. He moved to Virginia to join the US Army at Fort Eustis in 1951 and received his GED. There he met and married Loretta "Lois" Henderson on July 13, 1952, and went on tours to Hawaii and Germany. Wess was a faithful, loving, caring, kind, and generous man with a sweet spirit. His life and legacy were living and working for the Lord which was a testimony to us all. Wess retired from the US Army after 20 Years in service. He then went to work at the Newport News Shipyard as a Pipefitter and retired after 20 years of service there. At an early age, Wess was baptized at Good Hope Baptist Church in Mississippi. Once relocating to Newport News, VA, He joined First Baptist Church Morrison and was a very faithful and active member. He served as President of the Morrison's Trustee Board, Usher Ministry, Transportation Ministry, and Building and Grounds and wherever he saw a need. He served as an officer on the Tidewater Usher Board Conference (TUBC) training many to effectively serve as ushers. As part of TUBC, he served at the Hampton Ministers' Conferences and at churches when members passed. He became the "Father of the Church" in 2010 which was a great honor to him. He proudly participated in Morrison's transition from Warwick Boulevard to Patrick Henry Drive, and ultimately the laying of the foundation and building of the new sanctuary in 2021. As a church leader who wore many hats, our Pastor and members were always confident that things were in the most honest and competent hands. No one was trusted more. He was known for collecting or buying change and $2 bills whenever he could. On Sunday mornings he was known as the Money Man always ready with the change needed and a kind word or joke. Wess loved his church family. He is survived by his daughter and devoted caregiver Frances Greene of Batesville, MS; one son, Willie James Henderson of Baltimore, MD; a grandson who he raised, Gregory Henderson of Mississippi; one sister; Ruth Henderson of Mississippi; one sister-in-law, April Marrow of Arizona; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, "church" children, and friends. Visitation will be held from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at First Baptist Church Morrison, 12720 Patrick Henry Drive, Newport News, VA 23602. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 4:00 PM with Rev. William J. Spencer, Pastor, officiating. Interment will be held at Hampton Memorial Gardens at a later date. Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home.