Benilda Henry

On October 18, 1948, a sweet little girl was born in the very small town of Macaracas in Panamá. Then one day, years later, a U.S. Army soldier met this lovely eighteen-year-old girl beside a well in Río Hato, Panamá, and a beautiful love story began. When Benilda Banda married Clyde Henry, fifty-seven years of love and family followed.

Benilda and her sweetheart had three children: Jim, Debora, and Betsy. Their family life consisted of many wonderful, memorable adventures: camping, hiking, biking, canoeing, tubing, fishing, and traveling around the States. Benilda had the incredible knack for making people feel very special and making celebrations a big deal, so birthdays, holidays, and special events were fun and festive when she was hostessing. She had so many friends because of her incredible love for others and her friendly ways. Everyone knew her as a loving, playful, friendly, loyal, energetic, and generous lady.

Benilda and Clyde met the Lord Jesus and became followers of Him when their children were young. Benilda had a vibrant relationship with God, faithfully reading His Word and praying passionately for others. She was a longtime member at Lakewood Baptist Church in Harrison, Tennessee. There where her church family deeply adored her as she loved others fervently and served the Lord faithfully.

Benilda went home to be with her Lord on August 8, 2026, after battling dementia. She was loving to the end, always sharing kisses with her Honey and responding to her family and friends as enthusiastically as she was able.

Loved ones that made it Home before she did include her beloved son James ("Jim," 2005), her mom Serafina Banda (2021), and her sister Otilia Vega (2008).

Among the family that are looking forward to seeing her sweet face again are her spouse: Clyde Henry; two daughters and sons-in-law: Debora and Tom Knopp, Betsy and Donald Baer; a daughter-in-law: Jennifer (Henry) Combs; eight grandchildren: Ashlynn (spouse: Kyle) Brainard, Brendan Roberts, Ethan Henry-Combs, and Gabrielle, Joseph, James, Daniel, and David Baer; two sisters and one brother: Herminia Vega, Victorina Rojas, and Ramon Rojas.

We thank our Lord for the tremendous love Benilda gave us and for the wonderful gift of her life; her life will keep blessing us always.

Benilda's service will be held at Lakewood Baptist Church in Harrison, Tennessee Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 1 p.m. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. She will be laid to rest at the Chattanooga National Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026.