Memphis 'Jeopardy!' champ returns to compete on the show’s Champions Wildcard Tournament

Memphian Verlinda Johnson Henning headed back to "Jeopardy!" to try to secure a spot in the show's Tournament of Champions.

Henning — who won on the show in June 2021 — competed in the "Jeopardy!" Champions Wildcard Tournament episode that aired Monday, Nov. 20. She finished third.

Henning made a pair of appearances on the program in June 2021. She became a “Jeopardy!” champion, winning on her first day and and then finished second as she attempted to defend her title. Her two-day run netted her $19,500 in winnings.

One of just a handful of Memphians who have been on the show over the years, Henning is a former Memphis Light, Gas and Water human resources executive who now runs her own HR consulting firm, FaithPeople Memphis.

A lifelong resident of the Bluff City, she’s a member of the St. Agnes Academy Class of 1976 and the holder of three degrees from the University of Memphis.

She's also a longtime Memphis Tigers season ticket-holder, a diehard U2 and “Twilight” franchise fan, an owner of cats and an inveterate and enthusiastic participant in local trivia contests, corporate spelling bees, fundraising "knowledge bowls" and other challenges to knowledge and memory, according a previous story on her.

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS: From Memphis to Radio City Music Hall: Meet high-kicking rookie Rockette Karmen Moore

The “Jeopardy!” Champions Wildcard Tournament will feature 105 champions from Seasons 37 and 38 in addition to the three winners of the Second Chance Tournament. The four-tiered Champions Wildcard ends on Dec. 18, at which point the 2023 Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions begins and will continue until April.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: 'Jeopardy!' Champions Wildcard Tournament: A Memphis champ returns