The Angelic Hosts came for Lillie Jane Henderson on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018, at the Parkview Regional Hospital, in Mexia, among loving family and devoted friends.
Viewing will begin Friday, Feb. 2, from 1 to 8 p.m. with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services will be Saturday, Feb. 3, at 11 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 307 Bell Street in Coolidge, with Presiding Elder George Johnson and the Rev. Eric Billips officiating and the Rev. Myra Turner Billips, as eulogist. Interment will be in the Brown- McGee Cemetery, N. 1st Street in Coolidge.
Lillie Jane was the first of four children born to the parentage of Sylvester Washington and Katie Amerson-Washington. She was born in Leon County.
When she was very young, the family moved to a farm in the Praire Hill community. Shortly thereafter they relocated to Coolidge and were employed by Dr. J. Fain Moore, the only local medical doctor in Coolidge at the time. Of course, much to her surprise, it was time for school, and she was enrolled into the Coolidge Colored School.
Her first marriage was to Jim Rakestraw Sr., and they were blessed with Tommie Jane and Jim Jr. (Chief). Later she was married to Herman Henderson Sr. until his death in 1973.
Mother Henderson accomplished much in her life, and she served the Lord for over 70 years at Allen Chapel. She wore many hats, including trustee, steward, stewardess and Sunday school teacher. She also participated in the choir and Missionary Society.
She served her community through a number of organizations, including 4-H Club, PTA, Cub Scouts (den mother) and Brown-McGee Cemetery Organization, where she was the eldest member. She was an honorary member of the Paul Quinn District Women in Ministry, 10th District WMS Pearl, and the Tri-County Interdenominational Missionary Society. She was honored by Paul Quinn College for the most children of a family to attend, with eight graduates and four attendees. Furthermore, she was a member of the NAACP - Limestone County Unit 6196B, Coolidge Enterprise OES No. 194, and the Coolidge - Sandy Coalition.
Preceding her in death were Lillie Jane’s parents, husbands and siblings: J.W. Washington (Buddy), Thelbert Washington (Bum), and Baby Katie; her three sons, Jim Jr., Josh and Bernard; and a daughter, Jean.
Lillie was the proud mother of the following survivors: daughters Tommie Jane, Clarris Mae (Charles), Betty Joyce, Margie Dell, Lillian (Farley Sr., deceased 1-14-18, Juanita, the Rev. Alfreda and Aletha; and sons Lewis Billy (Catherine), Herman Jr. (Ruthie), the Rev. Gerald Dewey (Bridgette), Dr. Jack Edward (Linda), Ross, Doss (Vickie) and Dean (Hester).
Other survivors include an adopted sister, Darlene Washington; 42 grandchildren; 77 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is also survived by her life-long friend and schoolmate, Mrs. Earlene Driver.
Moore’s Angelic Funeral Home, 406 Monroe Street, in Teague, is serving the Henderson family. Visit mooresangelicfuneralhome.com to sign the guestbook and light a candle.