Mary was born May 17, 1927, in Deemer, Mississippi to Roger Lee and Alma Johnson Shackelford. She attended Dixon High School and Draughon’s Business College. She worked for the Mississippi State Board of Education as an Executive Assistant to the Presidents of the Mississippi Community Colleges where she retired in 1991.
She married Joe Bowie Henderson of Fentress, MS. on November 7, 1947, in Clinton, Mississippi. They enjoyed 62 years of marriage together and had a family of three daughters and one son.
Mary was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and a true “Southern Belle.” She loved to bake and was an avid reader. She embarked on many trips to visit family and friends and kept a journal of her adventures. She loved her family with her whole heart. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Madison since 1972. She read her bible daily and was a faithful Christian woman.
Preceding her in death were her husband, her parents, seven siblings, and a great grandchild. Her surviving family includes three daughters: Dianne Robinson (Owen) of Madison, Mississippi; Carolyn Henderson of Thibodaux, Louisiana; and Sherri Smith (A.V.) of Knoxville, Tennessee; one son, Ron Henderson (Judy) of Madison, Mississippi; eleven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Hospice Ministries; sitters Porsha Cross and Rose Virden; and the many caregivers that provided such compassionate care to our mother in her time of need.
A family graveside service will be held Monday at Coldwater Church Cemetery in Philadelphia, Mississippi. In lieu of flowers the family request contributions to be made to First Baptist Church of Madison or to the Shriners Children’s Hospital, 3100 Samford Ave., Shreveport, Louisiana 71103 or www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shc/donate.
