Calkins: Death and ‘Jeopardy:’ A game show helps Memphian find joy in a hard day
Memphian Verlinda Henning was on the “Jeopardy!” telecast June 8, 2021, as the defending champion. Twenty-two years ago, on June 8, 1999, she lost her husband Darrell. (Submitted)
On June 8, 1999, Verlinda Johnson Henning’s husband, Darrell, died at the age of 45. Exactly 22 years later, Henning appeared as reigning champion on “Jeopardy!” It was just a coincidence, of course. But it helped her find balance on a very difficult day.
Related story:
Memphian is ‘Jeopardy!’ champion June 7, comes in second June 8
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Jeopardy! Verlinda Johnson Henning Alex TrebekGeoff Calkins on demand
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Geoff Calkins
Geoff Calkins has been chronicling Memphis and Memphis sports for more than two decades. He is host of "The Geoff Calkins Show" from 9-11 a.m. M-F on 92.9 FM. Calkins has been named the best sports columnist in the country five times by the Associated Press sports editors, but still figures his best columns are about the people who make Memphis what it is.
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