Juanita Henderson

"Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die"- John 11:25-26

Mother Juanita Henderson was born October 5, 1926, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the fourth oldest of twelve children born to the late Reverend James Davis Sr. And Madge Ivory Davis.

From a early age, she was immersed in the Christian faith that became her lifelong spiritual support. She accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior under the pastorate of the late Charles Harrison Mason, the founder of the World Wide Churches of God In Christ.

She married the late Thomas James Henderson Sr and to this union six children were born.

From a young age, Mother Henderson was blessed with a beautiful singing voice. She traveled regularly with her father, the late Reverend James Davis Sr to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was there that she served as a guest soloist at the Church of God In Christ Holy Convocation led by the late Bishop O. T. Jones. This experience was an exciting, beautiful and evocative piece of history for Juanita. It painted a vivid picture in her mind of a deeply rooted musical and spiritual heritage for which she would forever hold a deep passion.

Mother Henderson lived her life in service to God and to others. One of her greatest accomplishments for several years was serving as the Choir Director of the Miracle Temple Church of God In Christ 100 voice choir where she trained her choir weekly in preparation for special events and Sunday Services.

Mother Henderson dedicated a portion of her life to meaningful community focused work. She worked for several years and retired from Toner Institute (historically known as the Toner Home Institute for boys in Pittsburgh, PA and the Holy Trinity Family Institute where she also provided residential care, support for youth and families in need.

Her life has been marked by nearly a century of history, wisdom, personal, spiritual and family legacies. Mother Henderson's life has been a open book for anyone to read. In just five months, she would have been 100 years old reaching the milestone of a centenarian.

Mother Henderson loved to wear hats which was symbolic of her versatile multifaceted personality as a mother, caregiver, and community leader. She had some wonderful classic pass times!! Cooking and Sewing were both deeply satisfying and a creative outlet for her. There was something incredibly rewarding about making something tangible with her own hands whether it was a delicious meal or a beautifully crafted piece of clothing.

One of her favorite songs was "I Pray We All Be Ready For Jesus Return." She was someone with a grounded perspective and a deep sense of Faith. She often made reference to a quote that says "You have all the answers but no questions"

Mother Henderson has been an Angel of light to many. Her presence changed lives for the better. She was a treasure and a timeless inspiration. She had given nearly 100 years of selfless love to her family, friends and church. All who knew her were blessed to experience her Grace and Greatness. Her spirit was ageless and her mind was sharp. Her life was not built on fame but built on love, sacrifice and quiet strength.

What an Incredible Journey Mother Henderson...Your family and friends honored you in life and now they're honoring you as you take your flight to rest in the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ until the great getting up morning when our Lord returns. Well done thy good and faithful servant.... enter into the Joy of the Lord.

Mother Henderson leaves to cherish her memory four children: Thomas Henderson Jr. (Pittsburgh, PA); Calvin Henderson (Pittsburgh, PA); Patsy Spearman (Birmingham, Alabama) Sylvia Hollis (Pittsburgh, PA); and proceeding her in death Lois Henderson and Gregory Henderson; Four Sisters: Mildred Roach (Pittsburgh, PA); Floretta Williams and her husband Robert Williams (Brighton, MI; Barbara Cash (Dallas, Texas) Elma Cleveland (Mequon, Wisconsin); Thirteen grandchildren; Five great grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren and a host of relatives, friends and her beloved church family who will forever celebrate life and legacy.

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