Mable Claire George Henderson

Mable Claire Henderson passed away on January 24, 2017 in Houston, Texas at the age of 92. She was born on August 2, 1924 in Marked Tree, Arkansas to John Henry George and Bonnie Ruth Peden George, the youngest of six children.

She grew up in Kemper County, Mississippi where she graduated from DeKalb High School as salutatorian. Mable Claire started teaching school right away, teaching in the school year and attending college during the summer months eventually earning a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattisburg, Mississippi.

On February 14, 1948, Mable Claire married L.D. Henderson, Jr. in DeKalb, Mississippi making their home in Preston, Mississippi. Together they had a son, Luther and a daughter, Teresa. In Mississippi, Mable Claire was a member of the Order of Eastern Star where she held many offices including Worthy Matron.

In 1956, L.D. and Mable Claire moved their family to the southeast area of Houston, Texas. Mable taught elementary school in Pasadena ISD and also earned a Master’s in Administration from the University of Houston.

Eventually relocating to the community of Spring Branch in Houston, Mable Claire continued her career in Spring Branch ISD. She taught at Hollibrook Elementary, was with Title I, was a school counselor, an Assistant Principal at Spring Shadows Elementary and finally concluded her career as Principal of Thornwood Elementary. During her teaching career, Mable Claire taught every grade except Kindergarten. Mable Claire was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma an international educator’s society.

L.D. and Mable Claire were founding members of John Knox Presbyterian Church. Mable Claire served on the session and for many years taught a bible study to mentally handicapped adults.

Survivors include her husband of almost 69 years, L.D. Henderson, Jr., son Luther Henderson and wife, Catherine, daughter Teresa Cunningham and husband Terry. She is also survived by grand-daughter, Olivia Henderson Kirklin and husband, John, grandson DeWayne Henderson, grand-daughter Claire Cunningham and grandson John Henderson, numerous nieces and nephews and her 32 year old turtle, Fern.

Family and friends gathered during a visitation at Waltrip Funeral Directors, 1415 Campbell Road in Houston, Texas 77055, on Monday, January 30th from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A memorial service celebrating this wonderful woman's life was held at Christ Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 8300 Katy Freeway, also in Houston, on Tuesday, January 31st at 2:30 p.m. A private family internment was held at Memorial Oaks Cemetery.

Mable Claire, cherished wife, mother and friend will be immeasurably missed. She was truly beloved by all.