[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 126 (Monday, July 19, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E771]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING CHESTER HENDERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 19, 2021

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
remarkable hero, Mr. Chester Henderson.
  Mr. Henderson was born on May 26, 1918 in Webb, Mississippi. After 
the passing of his father, he had to quit school in the fourth grade in 
order to help his mother support their family.
  At an early age, Mr. Henderson worked for Mississippi Valley Gas 
Company and then at Mississippi Power and Light Company (currently 
known as Entergy) before being drafted into the United States Army, 
during World War II. Under General George Patton, he served in Northern 
Africa, Italy, and Germany as a truck driver during the famous Redhull 
Express Operations, consisting of predominately African American 
drivers that delivered over 6,000 gallons of fuel 24 hours a day, with 
routes in excess of 400 miles in each direction.
  After a short courtship, he married the love of his life, Victoria 
Anderson, on New Year's Eve 1944. Together they built a home in 
Cleveland, Mississippi, on Church Street, and became the proud parents 
of six children. They spent 42 years of marriage together, until the 
passing of Mrs. Henderson in 1987.
  After serving honorably, he was discharged in 1945. He was able to 
return to his job at Mississippi Power and Light Company, where he 
worked from 1946 until he retired in 1983. When not working, he loved 
gardening and growing vegetables, which he and his wife would can, 
freeze, and share with many-- friends, neighbors, co-workers, and 
church family. He would also help his neighbors out in their gardens 
and by manicuring their yards.
  St. Peter's Rock Mississionary Baptist Church is where Mr. Henderson 
gave his life to Jesus Christ, and was baptized in August of 1946 in a 
sandpit in Boyle, Mississippi, by the late Rev. L. L. Laws. He has 
served as a deacon, an usher and a choir member. His love for St. 
Peter's Rock and the current pastor, Rev. Terrence Rash, has led many 
of his grandchildren to accept Jesus Christ at this church. Mr. 
Henderson's dedication has blessed him with the title of ``Oldest 
Member'' since 2017, and it has shown him as an upstanding pillar in 
his family and community.
  Mr. Henderson was born when Woodrow Wilson was President of the 
United States of America and Theodore G. Bilbo was Governor of the 
State of Mississippi. His life has spanned the administration of 19 
United States Presidents, from Woodrow Wilson to Joe Biden; and 26 
Mississippi Governors, from Theodore G. Bilbo to Tate Reeves. This 
family icon has witnessed many historic events during his lifetime, 
including the Great Depression, World War II, and man's walk on the 
moon. He is truly blessed.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. 
Chester Henderson for his dedication to serving his family, community 
and this nation.

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