Eliberta Rose Henderson

A visitation for Eliberta will be held Tuesday, January 23, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Magnolia Room, 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, January 24, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St Rita's Catholic Church, 5124 Churchward Street, San Diego, CA 92114. A graveside service will occur Wednesday, January 24, 2024 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at Glen Abbey Memorial Park, 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902.

Eliberta R. Henderson (Ely) was born in Paypay, Daanbantayan, Philippines. She had 6 brothers and 5 sisters. She attended high school in Cebu City and completed some vocational college courses. In 1968, she met her future husband, Navalist Emmitt Henderson Jr in Cebu. They were married in 1969 and their eldest son Emmitt III (Jun Jun) was born in 1970. Upon returning to the states, Emmitt and Ely settled in San Diego, CA and had three more children, Emmill, Emmely and Emman. Ely was a devoted wife and mother who instilled in her children the Catholic faith. Ely worked as an Assembler at Kyocera Inter Inc. and retired after 18 years of employment. Ely enjoys cooking, playing Bingo and was very much involved in family events. Family was very important to Ely. In 2015, Ely was diagnosed with cancer and fought courageously until the end.

On January 6, 2024, Ely was called home to be with our Lord with her family by her bedside. She is preceded in death by her sister, Columba Rosas and daughter-in-law, Cathy Henderson.

Ely is a beautiful person inside and out and will be missed dearly by her surviving husband of 53 years, Emmitt Henderson, Jr.; her sisters, Anacorita Lawrence, and Necie Rosas (Philippines); her 4 children: Emmitt III (Jun Jun), Emmill, Emmely and Emman (Manny); 9 grand-children: Emmitt IV (Boong-Boong), Jasmine, Cheyenne, Emmerald, Myriah, Emmani, Makayla, Emmill Jr. (EJ), Mya; and 15 great-children: Laroy, Emmari, Emmanual, Mi’Shelle, Rozalyn, NyCamery, Philip, Josiah, Jesus, Milanni, Ace, Kyleah, Ezekiel, Avi and another great grand-child expected in July 2024; as well as 3 sister in laws, Joanne, Jocelyn and Doris Ann and 1 brother in law, Bobby and host of family overseas and lifetime friends.

Good morning, my beautiful wife. In the past week, I entered your room and saw your empty bed. Once again, I teared up. It saddens me knowing I'll never see your face in its natural form and beauty anymore. I miss you, Ely. The smile we share when we see each other for the first time in the morning when I bring your coffee. I miss you, Ely. I have helped you make the transition from bed to your wheelchair. You were so methodical; you knew what you were doing. The few words spoken, facial expressions, and body motions tell me much about what you want to do and say. I hear you and understand you. I miss you, Ely. For the last two years, your physical weakness prevailed due to breast cancer; you tolerate and endure the pain as you move. I felt so helpless. You were transported to the hospital and transferred under Hospice care at home with the family where you belong. Now, the room is empty. I often wake up at night to look at your pictures from the phone gallery. Oh, how I miss you so. I will love you forever, and thank you for your love and the beautiful 53 years.