Pastor Willie Jerome Henderson Sr.

He was preceded in death by three brothers; Harold, Elliot, Bishop Joseph Henderson, and one sister Lalene Rose Henderson Redding.

Pastor Willie received his early education from the Austin Independent Public School System. He also served in the United States Army and received a diploma in Law Enforcement from Ft. McClellan Military Police School located in Alabama.

Pastor Willie served as a corrections officer with the Austin Police Department for several years prior to his call to the ministry. Through this position, he spread the Good News and was an inspiration to all of those around him.

Pastor Willie worked as a teacher at the family owned businesses Center for Early Educational Development (CEED) and Alpha-Omega Early Educational Development Christian Center for many years.

Pastor Willie met and fell in love with Valerie and they got married, spending 41 years together. Praise the Lord! During that 41 year journey, it was always the desire of Pastor Willie and Valerie to bear a child to carry on their legacy. However, this did not happen immediately. As time passed it seemed as though they would not bear a child. After 6 and a half years of much prayer, God gave Pastor Willie and Valerie not one, but a double blessing! They became the proud parents of two "miracle" sons; Willie, Jr. and Jeremy. God is good all the time!

Pastor Willie's spiritual walk began at an early age at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. He was called to the ministry and ordained in 1992 under the leadership of Pastor L.K. Jones. Pastor Willie was inspired and blessed to serve under the pastorship of several great leaders; the late Pastor S.L. Davis, Pastor A.R. Hargrove, Pastor L.K. Jones, Pastor T.E. King, Pastor H.L. Carter and Bishop B.L. Roberson.

Pastor Willie served as Pastor of Abundant Life Cathedral of Praise in Austin, Texas. He also served as First Vice-Moderator of the Abundant Life Covenant Ministries/Association in Austin, Texas.

Though there were obstacles along the way, Pastor Willie continued to press on and remain steadfast and immovable in his convictions. He would stand in the gap for the cause of Christ - no matter what the cost.

Pastor Willie always carried a favorite scripture in his heart as he spread the Word of God to all he came in contact with "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." St. John 3:16.

Pastor Willie went home to be with his Lord on June 23, 2022 at the age of 64 years old. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Valerie; sons, Willie, Jr. and Jeremy; brother, Clinton Henderson; sister, Cheryl Henderson Fisher and a host of many other relatives and friends. Amen!

A celebration of praise and thanksgiving for Willie will be held Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, 2111 S.L. Davis Ave., Austin, Texas 78702. Following the celebration of praise and thanksgiving will be a graveside service at 1:00 PM at Evergreen Cemetery, 3304 E 12th St., Austin, Texas 78721.

Serving as pallbearers are Deacon Willie Henderson, Jr., Fred MIlling, Sr., Deacon Jeremy Henderson, Aaron Williams, Jr., Kelvin Johnson, John T. Shackles, Jr., Quincy Henderson, Octavian Carter and Otha Green.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com for the Henderson family.