Helen Henson Leggett

Helen Carthage Henson Leggett, 94, of Fayetteville, NC, died on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. She was born in Carthage, NC on August 23, 1931, to the late Charles Thomas and Kate Marley Henson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry D. Leggett, brothers James Lawrence Henson and Henry Thomas Henson, and sisters-in-law Glyndora Benner Henson and Elizabeth Flinchum Henson. She is survived by her daughter Kimberly Henson Leggett Geer (Doug), niece Kay Henson Moss (Tim), nephews Thomas Felton Henson (Jane) and Lawrence James Campbell (Stephanie), grand-nephews Scott Henson (Jenell), and Nicholas Campbell, grand-nieces Amanda Lowe, Meredith Campbell, and Jenilee Gardner (Dustin), and several great-grand nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Carthage High School, Helen attended Meredith College in Raleigh, NC, majoring in voice under professor Beatrice Donley. She attended King's Business College and worked for Stockton, White & Company, while continuing singing in churches and community choruses, and often told people that "loving your work and your music is like having your cake & eating it too!" After college, Helen married her husband Jerry, and shortly afterwards they moved to Fayetteville and became members of First Baptist Church. She was the Assistant Secretary for the church, taught Sunday School for children & youth, and was a long-standing member of the Sanctuary Choir.

Helen was one of the first contralto soloists to sing with the fledgling Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. She continued her voice training with Otis Lambert, Jr. of Fayetteville, and over the years performed with many community and church organizations as a highly sought-after musician. She performed many times as the contralto soloist for the "Messiah", "Elijah", Zoltan Kolday's "Te Deum", Rossini's "Stabat Mater", Bach's "Magnificat", and many others. She was a member of the Cumberland Chorale, founded and directed by Harlan Duenow, and the Community Chorus, founded and directed by Alan Porter. She also enjoyed branching out onto the theatrical stage with "H.M.S. Pinafore", "Spring for Sure", "Music of the Movies", and joining in the fun with the creations of her dear friend Betty Howie's "Booger Hollar" shows, even into her 90's.

Helen always had a special interest in young people. She encouraged them to experience and enjoy music in all its forms. Her membership in the Chaminade Music Club had a profound effect on that interest, since the main goal of the group was to promote and facilitate music and performance for young students and the community. The Club worked with broadening the music curriculum in the Cumberland County Schools, particularly for stringed instruments, which later led to the establishment of a county orchestra for students in the schools. Helen served on the boards of The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, Friends of Music at Methodist University, and Music for Charities at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Her involvement with youth and children at First Baptist Church was a source of joy and laughter for her and the young people. She was never afraid of a challenge, and could often be found learning a new dance step, accepting a dare, or covered with shaving cream at frequent gatherings at the Leggett's house.

Helen had a deep and devoted faith, and looked forward to meeting her Lord and Savior, and reuniting with the family and friends that had gone before her. She was full of life, had strong convictions that never wavered, enjoyed a lively debate, gladly took on a challenge or dare, had a sharp and quick wit, even to the end, and fiercely loved her family and friends. She will be missed by all who knew her.

The funeral will be held Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 11:00 am in the Sanctuary at First Baptist Church, 201 Anderson St., Fayetteville, NC 28301, with visitation before the service in Memorial Lounge at 10:00 am. She will be laid to rest beside her husband, Jerry, at Lafayette Memorial Park, Fayetteville.

Funeral services are provided by Sullivan's Highland Funeral Service of Fayetteville. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church's Building and Grounds or a favorite charity.