Teresa E Henderson December 28,1953 – August 21, 2024

Courage – Generous – Love – Faith

Courage.  My Mom went through so many hard, painful things throughout her life.  She suffered much at the hands of multiple abusers, yet stood valiantly, with more courage than most people have on their best days.  She endured great physical suffering through debilitating illness yet still found a way to create lighthearted moments and, “prank with you”, intending to lead to laughter.

Generous. In the midst of her own suffering, she gave of herself and her resources willingly and sacrificially to others.  She would go without basic necessities, give her last penny to anyone in need.  Her endless generosity was consistent and continued with her decision to donate her remains for the benefit of advancing science.  She did not hesitate to help others in her life and desired to help others in her death.

Love. The love she had for her daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends ran deep throughout her whole being.  She was affectionately known by countless people as, “Mama T”, because of the love freely gave.  She adopted Nita, my sister, and her family.  She adopted Wesley and his family.  She referred to many as, “her people”.  It was common to receive a call where she began a conversation with, “You doing alright?”.

Faith.  In all things, my mom strived to trust God.  She loved Jesus! Like many of us, she struggled with fully understanding Jesus taking on sin and dying to save souls, but she didn’t doubt it.  She knew He was her Savior, her help, her strength.  When she was made aware of needed prayer, she asked others to join her in praying.  She learned much about God through the love and service of Brother Mike and Brother D.  She loved listening to hymns and finding encouragement from Scripture.  During her last months, she received His word as a soothing balm.

Mom – Mama T – Granny – Friend

Deeply loved, never forgotten!

“Jesus I am resting, resting

In the joy of what Thou art

I am finding out the greatness of Thy loving heart Thou has bid me gaze upon Thee and Thy beauty fills my soul For by Thy transforming power Thou has made me whole”

(lyrics by Steve Green)