Former Tribal First Lady dies at 70

Former Tribal First Lady dies at 70

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Lena John Denson, a former First Lady of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, died as a result of the COVID-19 virus, the Tribe announced last week. She was 70.

Denson, the wife of former Miko (Tribal Chief) Beasley Denson, passed away Thursday, June 11 due to complications from the coronavirus.

Chief Cyrus Ben issued a statement expressing his "deepest condolences."

Mrs. Denson was described by a spokesman for the MBCI as an important figure in the history of the Tribe, as well as a woman of faith, love and compassion for her fellow Choctaw citizens.

"She had a deep and genuine passion of caring for our Elders," a statement by the Tribe said. said. "Mrs. Lena was a gracious and compassionate public servant to the Choctaw people during her husband's administration, and she continued to be an admired and inspirational person throughout our community in the years since."

Denson, who lived in the Standing Pine community in Leake County, was best known for her three decades of service as the Director of the Elderly Nutrition Program at the Choctaw Elderly Activity Center and her devotion to her Christian faith.

Denson was laid to rest following a private graveside funeral earlier this week.

"During this time of the COVID pandemic," the statement said, "The Choctaw people have had to mourn many deaths. We once again mourn alongside the family and friends of Mrs. Lena."

Arrangements were incomplete at press time.





STATEMENT FROM FAMILY OF LENA JOHN DENSON

A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered so it is with our deepest sorrow to announce the passing of our beloved "Pokni", wife of former Miko Beasley Denson and MBCI's First Lady.

We, the family of Lena Denson, would like to thank our extended family, friends and the community for the outpouring of love we have received. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time as we find the strength to say our goodbyes.

We are truly grateful for the nurses and doctors who fought to protect our precious Pokni from the COVID virus. But God saw her suffering and called her to her heavenly home...

Our family will endure the pain of not hearing her voice, having her hugs and most importantly the love she had for everyone. However, we find comfort in knowing she is no longer suffering from this dreaded virus and this is not our final goodbye, it's "till we meet again".



STATEMENT FROM CHIEF BEN

The last few weeks have been challenging for the Choctaw people. We have suffered many deaths and each one has been difficult for our community. I was saddened to learn of the passing of Mrs. Lena Denson, wife of former Miko (Tribal Chief) Beasley Denson. She was a gracious woman who had great strength in her faith.

On behalf of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, my family and I send our deepest condolences to the Denson family. The thoughts and prayers of the entire Tribe are with you.






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