Joanne Best Henderson was reunited with her husband, Waitus Love Henderson and her Savior on March 18, 2018. She was 78. A memorial service will be at 1 PM, Wednesday, March 21 at Lawndale Baptist Church with Dr. Joe Giaritelli and Reverend Jon Boling officiating. The family will receive friends during a reception in the fellowship hall following the service.
Joanne will be remembered as a supportive wife to Wade, loving mother to their children, doting grandmother, and loyal friend. Joanne’s foundation for living was her faith in Jesus Christ. She has been an active member of Lawndale Baptist Church since 1969 when she and Wade moved to Greensboro. She was born in Wallace, NC to the late Henry James and Emma Boyette Best, and was valedictorian of the first graduating class of Wallace-Rose Hill High School where she met Wade. She graduated from Women’s College with a bachelor’s degree in education and for almost 30 years taught elementary school in the public school system. She welcomed the interruption of her and Wade’s three children during that time and managed to rear her children, work outside the home and be an encouraging wife of a police officer. She loved to cook, travel to the beach and entertain her grandchildren. Joanne was musically gifted and played the organ and piano while growing up in church. Her love of music was a gift she passed on to her children and grandchildren.
Her family and friends will remember her selfless spirit and the compassionate way in which she took care of Wade during his illness. They were married 57 years until his death in October 2017. Joanne made a person feel welcome in her company and engaged people with her interest in their lives. Her bright shining eyes, beautiful smile and gentle manner endeared her to strangers.
She is survived by her children, Wade (Meri-Frances) Henderson of Cary, Mollie Mitchell of Nottingham, England and Sarah (Kevin) Warwick of Greensboro; grandchildren, Mia and Jonathan Henderson, James, Harry, Jack, and Charlie Mitchell, and Liam and Ryan Warwick; brother, James B. Best of Salem, OR; brothers-in-law, Marshall Price, Jerry (Donna) Henderson and JB (Irene) Henderson; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to Wade she is preceded in death by her sister, Evelyn Price.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Lawndale Baptist Church, 3505 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro, NC 27408. Online condolences may be offered at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com. Hanes-Lineberry N. Elm chapel is assisting the family.
