By Cara Cowan Watts | Cherokee 411
Aug 28, 1980 – Oct 17, 2026
Salina, OK
Cherokee Nation Citizen
Elisa Michelle Henson, lovingly known as Lisa, was born on August 28, 1980, at W.W. Hastings Hospital in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, to Bennie and Carolyn (Feeling) Henson. She passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of October 17, 2026, in Pryor, Oklahoma, at the age of 46 years, 1 month, and 19 days.
Lisa was a loving, caring, and hardworking woman who touched the lives of many through her kindness, friendship, and joyful personality. She attended school at Woodall and Wickliffe before graduating from Salina High School in 1998, where she was the salutatorian of her class. Lisa continued her education at Northeastern State University and Rogers State University, earning her associate degree in accounting. She also served on the Junior Tribal Council for the Cherokee Nation.
Lisa dedicated many years to her career, beginning her work at Claremore Indian Hospital in February 2015 as a Medical Records Technician, where she remained until September 2025. She later began working for the Cherokee Nation on October 1, 2025. Lisa took pride in her work and enjoyed the friendships she developed with her coworkers throughout the years.
Outside of work, Lisa enjoyed spending time with her favorite niece, whether they were shopping for everyone at yard sales, browsing thrift stores, or simply enjoying each other’s company. She loved being the bingo caller during bingo games and could always find a way to bring laughter and happiness to those around her. Lisa also enjoyed spending time with her coworkers, sometimes finding that visiting and laughing together was much more enjoyable than working.
