Winona Elaine Hendren

Mrs. Winona Elaine Hendren, known by friends and family as “Nona,” passed away on August 29, 2021, at home surrounded by family. Nona was born in Biloxi, Mississippi, on March 17, 1936. At the time of her passing, she was a resident of Ocean Springs, Mississippi. As a young girl of eleven, Nona was drawn to the East End United Methodist Church, where she served as a teacher’s helper and sang in the Choir. In 1950, Nona joined the Methodist Youth Fellowship, where she met her future husband, Airmen, William “Bill” Hendren. In 1969, Bill and Nona joined the North Biloxi United Methodist Church, where Nona taught Sunday School, served as a lay leader, formed a praise dancers group, led the children’s Choir, and led a mission work team. In 1988 the Church moved to Popps Ferry Road and became Heritage United Methodist Church. As a member of Heritage, Nona was active in the Morning Glories, performed as a soloist in the Choir, taught Sunday School, and supported the Youth Ministry. Nona was a celebrated member of Heritage for her faithful dedication to the mission of the Church and, in particular, its Youth. As a military wife, Nona achieved a lifelong dream of travel, including stations at Keesler, Florida, North Dakota, Turkey, and Iran. In all of these places, she worked as a fashion model on television and in print advertising. Between duty stations, Nona was always able to return to her beloved Biloxi. Nona lost her dream home to both Hurricane Camille and Hurricane Katrina, after which time she relocated to Ocean Springs, Mississippi, to be near to her children and grandchildren. Nona was the adored wife of Bill for Sixty-Six years of marriage. She is predeceased in death by her loving husband, Bill; her Parents, Voncille and Leon “Cutie” Hurley; Her sisters, Ariel (P.J.) Ellis of Biloxi, Mississippi and Jonnie Adele “Verbie” (Tony) Gallina of Florida. She is survived by her son, Jason Lee, and his wife, Ashley Hutchings Hendren; her daughter, Heather Leigh Hendren; Heather Leigh Hendren’s Fiancé, David Tunink; her Grandchildren, Harper Elle Hendren, Ryan Jacob Hendren; Caitlin McCormick (Larry) Colvin, Caroline “Austin” McCormick, Emily Ann Dodd and Abigail Dodd; her great-grandchild, Lochlan Colvin; and her sister, Kay Pauline (Tommy) Nunley of Florida. Visitation and Services celebrating the Life of Nona Hendren will be Saturday, September 11, 2021, at Heritage United Methodist Church in D’Iberville, Mississippi, beginning at 10:00 a.m. A reception will follow immediately thereafter at Heritage United Methodist Church. Nona will be laid to rest beside Bill at The Biloxi National Cemetery. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Nona Hendren.