Dorothy June Henderson

Mrs. Dorothy June Henderson (Dottie), age 86 of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, passed away on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Madge Plonkey.

Dottie is survived by her loving husband of nearly 61 years, Lee Henderson; her children, Beth (Rory, Sr.,) Downey, Laura (Dave) Sherman and David (Kelly) Henderson; her siblings, Frank Plonkey, Sr., Jack (Susan) Plonkey and Marybeth (Craig) Lehto; and her grandchildren, Rory (Diana) Downey, Jr., Joey Hartman and Briana Sherman.

Born in Warren, Michigan, Dottie was raised in Aurora, Colorado, where she graduated from Aurora High School in 1957. Driven by a deep passion for helping others, in 1959 she received her RN from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Denver, Colorado. While working as a nurse in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1963, she met the love of her life, Lee, a Naval Aviation Officer. The two were married on September 19, 1964, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with love, adventure, and service. As a devoted Navy wife, Dottie embraced the nomadic life of supporting Lee and her family as they moved across the United States several times.

Her commitment to care did not stop there. In 1980, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Nursing and later graduated with her Master’s degree in Social Work at Marymount College in Arlington, Virginia, expanding her ability to serve others in meaningful ways.

Her professional journey reflected her compassion and versatility. While living in Severna Park, Maryland, she served as a Registered Nurse at Hospice of the Chesapeake and later worked as a social worker, specializing in alcohol and drug counseling. She co-founded and owned Arundel Interiorscape with her best friend Peg Odell — a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and creativity.

Dottie had a deep appreciation for culture and history. She was one of the founding members of the Marco Island (Florida) Historical Museum and a devoted genealogist who enjoyed discovering family roots. A talented amateur gourmet cook, she delighted in entertaining friends and family, and she especially loved traveling the world and sailing with her loved ones.

Faith played a central role in Dottie’s life. She was raised in a Roman Catholic family and was a devout Christian throughout her life. She lived her beliefs through acts of kindness, selflessness, and care for others. She was actively involved in her Scottish heritage, serving as Recording Secretary for Clan Henderson and was a member of Clan Hamilton.

Dottie’s warmth, generosity, and unshakable devotion to family and community touched the lives of everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Memorial contributions may be made in Dottie’s name to St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 502 Jackson Ave, Ocean Springs, MS 39564 or to the Marco Island Historical Society, 180 South Heathwood Drive Marco Island, Florida 34145  https://themihs.info/donate-2/  or to the MS Nurse Honor Guard – Gulf Coast Chapter, gulfcoastnursehonorguard@gmail.com

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 502 Jackson Ave., Ocean Springs, MS 39564, with visitation beginning at 10:30 am. A reception will follow Mass at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 13872 Lemoyne Blvd., Biloxi, MS 39532 in West Jackson County..

An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com .