Mary Dumas Henderson

Mary Alethia Dumas Henderson went to meet her Lord and Savior on February 2, 2024 surrounded by loved ones at the age of 94. Mary lived a very blessed life filled with family, friends, and her husband, Acree Martin (Marty) Henderson, who passed away March 2020.

Mary is survived by her two children Janet L Henderson and Robert J (Jim) Henderson; her daughter-in-law Jan H Henderson; her grandchildren Courtney H Ward, Amy H Harris, and Andrew J Henderson; her great grandchildren Kennedie, Lincoln, Wilder and Lennon; her sister Betty Neely of Braxton, MS; and many nieces and nephews from Alabama and Mississippi.

Mary earned her associate’s degree from Co-Lin College in 1948 and moved to Washington, DC in 1950 to work for the FBI. While there, she met Marty by mail after he saw her in a picture with the girlfriend of his Air Force roommate in North Africa. After 6 months of exchanging letters, they finally met in person and were married 6 weeks later in 1952. They lived in Newport News, VA and Heidelberg, West Germany before settling in Hampton, VA.

Mary was a full-time mom until accepting a job at NASA in 1973. She remained there until retiring in 1991. When she retired, she was an executive administrative assistant.

Mary and Marty enjoyed retirement to its fullest. They became true “snowbirds,” living part time in both Florida and Virginia. Friends and family consumed their lives, and everyone close to her got the “Camp Mary” experience of great meals, great hospitality, and being treated like a king/queen. Mary lived for her children, grand kids, and great grand kids. Affectionately known as “GiGi” to her grandkids, she created a life of love and lasting memories shared with them.

Her funeral service is scheduled for Thursday February 8, 2024 at Parklawn Wood Funeral Home at 2551 N. Armistead Ave, Hampton, VA at 10 AM. The family is requesting no flowers be sent to the grave site and if there is a desire to honor Mary, please send checks to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church (153 Rockport - New Hebron Road, New Hebron, MS 39140) – this is the church Mary’s grandmother designed and built.