Lena John Denson, former First Lady of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, passes away due to COVID-19

Lena John Denson, former First Lady of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, passed away Thursday due to complications from COVID-19. She was 70.

Mrs. Denson as she was known was married to former Miko (Tribal Chief) Beasley Denson. Not only was she an important figure in the history of the Choctaw Tribe, she was a strong woman of faith, love and compassion for her fellow Choctaw people.

She was well known throughout the Tribe, especially by many Tribal Elders with whom she spent countless hours when she served nearly three decades as the Director of the Elderly Nutrition Program at the Choctaw Elderly Activity Center.

"How she served our Tribe was firmly guided by her Christian faith," the Tribe said in a statement. "She had a deep and genuine passion of caring for our Elders. Ms. 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."


Mrs. Denson will be laid to rest after a private graveside funeral.

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


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, LENA JOHN DENSON.

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".

To contact the family, email standingpine0904@gmail.com.

STATEMENT FROM CHIEF BEN ON PASSING OF TRIBE'S FORMER FIRST LADY LENA JOHN DENSON

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.