Norma Jean Henderson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYWOsi7QzIY

Norma Jean Henderson was born on December 29th,1937 to the late Malcolm and Eleanor Benders of Boston, Massachusetts. Norma Jean was an accomplished singer, she sang with her father’s 40-voice choir at the age of five years old.

She graduated from Boston Technical High School. As a young adult she sang in local Boston nightclubs, she wasn’t happy doing this, and decided to join the church. Norma Jean became a member of Mother Walls AME Zion Church in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. She served many years and played the pipe organ.

In 1963, she met and married Herman Henderson and from that union she had two beautiful daughters; Renee and Mechelle.

In between, 1963 and 1975 Norma Jean was a devoted wife and mother, and was a caretaker of her mom Eleanor and her aunt Marjorie.

In 1990, Norma Jean attended Bryan School of Nursing and graduated as a Medical Assistant. She worked at New England Medical Center Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts and then at The V.A. Medical Center for 10 years where she retired.

In 1991, Norma Jean joined St.Paul AME Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts. There she sang in the Voices of Women’s Victorious Choir. In 1999, Norma Jean joined the gospel ensemble Confirmation under the direction of David Coleman.

In 2007, she relocated from Massachusetts to North Carolina, where she joined and became a Sunday school teacher at Malaby’s Crossroads Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of James S. Ultley in Knightdale for four years.

In 2013, Norma Jean was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer and by the Grace of the Most High went through treatment for 3 months and was in remission for 9 years. Norma Jean never missed an opportunity to give The Most High Praise!!! In addition she suffered from heart disease and again The Most High kept her.

In 2017, Norma Jean joined The Gathering of Christ Church under the leadership of Elder Al Hannah, where she began her deeper understanding of the truth of the Holy scriptures and extra biblical text. But more importantly she would come to understand what it truly meant to honor the Most High God who had seen her through every moment and mountain in her life..

Norma Jean was a fighter but The Most High told her to take rest on December 7th, 2022.

She leaves behind her baby brother Anthony Lovell. Daughters Renee Manigat (Dondre) and Mechelle Hammonds (Tommy) and bonus daughters Hyzenthalay Shiver and Lucy Barrientos. Grandchildren Carlos Delcompare (Caitlin Leslie), Thomas Hammonds, Porshia Gray (Damien), Monique Hammonds,Trenise Hammonds and Great GrandChildren, Josiah, Skylar, Zaria, Kamani and Sanyi.

As well as a host of family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Herman Henderson, parents Malcolm and Eleanor Benders and sisters Louise Wright, Esther Brown and brother Donald Benders

Mom, you fought a good fight, now it's time to take your rest, we truly love you but God loves you best.

Psalm 34:18 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and save the such as be of a contrite spirit.

Psalm 73:26 My flesh and my heart failed: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever.

Matthew: 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Yashaya Christ.

Acknowledgements: The family wishes to thank All those who have supported, encouraged and prayed with and for us on this journey.

Love, Renee & Mechelle

Please check back later for further information regarding service dates and times.

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