thelma whitehead denson
1918-1992
Life Story
Birth and Family
Thelma Whitehead Denson was born on March 8, 1918, in Newton County, Mississippi, to Ambrose Whitehead (1876–1960) and Marietta Walker Whitehead (1879–1968). She was raised in the Lawrence community in a farming household where discipline, faith, and hard work shaped daily life. Like many daughters of rural Mississippi families in the early twentieth century, she labored on the farm from an early age.
Marriage and Home Life
Thelma later married Aquilla Denson, Jr. (1918–1975). By 1950, the couple was living in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where census records list her occupation as “keeping house.” While that description reflects the language of the era, it does not fully capture the range of work she performed throughout her life.
Work and Determination
In a 1990 newspaper interview, Thelma spoke candidly about the many jobs she had held over the years. She stated that she had worked as a schoolteacher, roofer, hog killer, and peanut farmer. She also noted that she could fish and had cooked for white families during segregation, proudly adding that she could make a sweet potato pie “you just couldn’t stand not to eat.”
Her words reveal a woman who was versatile, self-reliant, and unafraid of hard labor. Whether in domestic service, agricultural work, or physically demanding jobs often reserved for men, Thelma demonstrated resilience and capability. Her life reflects the economic realities faced by many Black women of her generation—working wherever opportunity presented itself while sustaining family and faith.
Church and Community Service
Mrs. Denson was a faithful member of True Light Baptist Church in Hattiesburg. She served as secretary of the Sunday School, sang in the choir, and was a member of the Willing Workers Club. She remained active in church services and Baptist Young People’s Union (BYPU) activities until her health declined.
She was also a member of Queen Ester Chapter No. 65, Order of the Eastern Star, and Beauland Court No. 11 of the Heroines of Jericho, demonstrating her commitment to Christian fellowship and civic engagement.
Strength and Resilience
In later years, Thelma became known in her neighborhood for her strength and outspoken determination. A Hattiesburg newspaper feature highlighted her candid remarks about crime in her community. Even in her seventies, she projected confidence and resolve, embodying the toughness that had defined her life from childhood. In her own words she stated, “No, I’m not frightened honey, not as long as I can throw a gun on you. Baby, I can down you with a .38.”
Family
She was preceded in death by her husband, Aquilla Denson, Jr.
Her survivors included:
- Two daughters: Juanita Harper of Lucedale, Mississippi, and Geneva Williams-Terry of Hattiesburg, Mississippi
- One son: James Denson of Petal, Mississippi
- Three sisters: Cora Viverette of Chicago, Illinois; Virginia Evans of Newton, Mississippi; and Inez Caples of Newton, Mississippi
- One brother: E.J. Whitehead of Newton, Mississippi
- Eight grandchildren
Death and Burial
Thelma Whitehead Denson passed away on January 9, 1992, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Funeral services were held at True Light Baptist Church in Hattiesburg and Jerusalem Baptist Church in Lawrence. She was laid to rest at Union Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery in the Lawrence community of Newton County, Mississippi.
Resting Place
Union Chapel United Methodist Church
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current
- Hattiesburg American, Criminals ruining the neighborhood, Sun, Apr 08, 1990 ·Page 20
- Hattiesburg American, Thelma W. Denson Obituary, Tue, Jan 14, 1992 ·Page 6
- U.S. Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 1
- U.S. Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 2
- U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947
- U.S., City Directories, 1822-1995
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- The Newton Record, Ambrous Whitehead Obituary, Wed, Nov 09, 1960 ·Page 11
Leave a Reply