Ernestine Henderson Stevens, a longtime resident of Brandon, Florida, passed away peacefully at home at the age of 87 on May 7, 2026, of natural causes. Born on February 11, 1939, in Bono, Arkansas, she was the beloved daughter of the late Ernest and Anna Martha Roberts Henderson.
Ernestine loved landscaping with her plants and flowers and dedicated much of her life to the service of her community and her family. She was a familiar and friendly face in local education, serving over 30 years within the Hillsborough County School system at both Mango Elementary School and Dover Elementary School. Her tireless work ethic was evident as she was also a staple at the Pendy Consignment Center in Brandon, where she worked for 27 years, forming lasting friendships with colleagues and patrons alike.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her devoted husband, James D. "Jim" Stevens; and her son, David K. Stevens, both of Brandon; her sister Carolyn Henderson Tinsley (Harold) of Jonesboro, AR.
Ernestine's legacy lives on through her family, whom she loved dearly. She is survived by her son, Dennis Densford (David) of Brandon, FL, her granddaughter Amanda Tucker Haynie (Ryan) and her great-grandson Xander Haynie, all of Reynolds, GA; her brother-in-law Harold Tinsley of Jonesboro, AR, and her niece Amy Tinsley Judd of Memphis, TN.
Following private arrangements with Southern Funeral Care, the family will host a celebration of her life at her residence at a later time, where friends and loved ones can gather in her favorite place.
