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James HENDERSON Obituary
A native of Key West Fla., he lived in Hampton for five years; he served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Merlice Y. McIntosh Henderson; his parents; three brothers and three sisters.
He is survived by his sons, the Rev. Dr. Salathiel J. Henderson I (Mary), and Cornelius W. Henderson; daughters, Orissa H. Brown (Robert), and the Rev. Gail L. Henderson; eight grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.
Mr. Henderson rest at Smith Brothers Funeral Home where a viewing will be Monday, Oct. 18, from 4 to 5 p.m. followed with a wake from 5 to 7 p.m. Mr. Henderson will be sent to Key West, Fla., for services and burial, – Ph: 301- 305-294-3069.
Arrangements by Smith Brothers Funeral Home, 545 E. Mercury Blvd., Hampton, 723-4117. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James HENDERSON
Sponsored by Daughter, Gail Henderson.
Gail Henderson
October 12, 2022
Dad you are missed! However, I know you are at peace!
Vanessa L. Hill
October 13, 2021
Along with Nana you are my guardian ancestor.
Vanessa
October 11, 2020
Granddaddy, Your physical absence is still so very present with me. My grandfather, father, mentor, guide, friend, guardian ancestor. You occupy all of those roles when others wouldn’t. You provided for me a blueprint of edifying male presence. Though not perfect, you offered advice and instructions when I didn’t want it and when I craved it but it was too late. Your last conversations with me were instructions on how to expect a man to treat me. You showed me how they should cover me spiritually through fasting, meditation and prayer how they should nourish me by cooking for me, how they can gift me with artistic creations, how they should protect me, how they should challenge me through their abilities and gifts I do not have, how they should cultivate safety by consistency, trust and communication, how they should love me graciously, exceptionally and without conditions.
How does anyone compete with that? How does anyone fill that void? Only through grace and mercy from The Most High could I hear, see, and obey that even from beyond the thin veil between the physical and spirit world, you are still present and with Nana bonded and connected me to my soulmate. I stand in humility and awe at how much love that took to use my own tears to toil the soil in my heart to plant seeds of destiny and to prune my shortcomings so I’m ready to receive from the fruits of love. Thank you.
I honor you today and always knowing your undying faithfulness and constant presence as ancestor is still guiding me, protecting me, encouraging me, teaching me and loving me. From the depths of my soul... I love you.
Vanessa Hill
October 12, 2019
A man of presence whose presence was a present that is invaluable. A renaissance man, who modeled manhood in a strong, yet sensitive manner. He was fully developed and yet continued to be a seeker of wisdom and wise counsel even among the youngest of us. He continues to be my protect and guide, my guardian ancestor along with my Nana.
December 5, 2012
Dad,
It been over 2 years since you left us to join Nana, and sometimes it still seems like yesterday. I have fond memories of all the times the family shared with the exchange of recipes, tasting the many dishes prepared, all the celebrations, and the delicious cookies you baked. I also vividly remember the last 8 days before you left as we were so priviledged to take care of you in our hospice unit. I have very special memories of that time and the conversations we shared when you were able to communicate. I will treasure those memories, the strength you were for your family, and the LOVE you had for Nana. Your marriage was truly a love story. My fondest memory is that you and Nana never treated me as a daughter-in-law but as your daughter and I appreciate that more than I can express in mere words. I miss you, love you, and I thank you for the memories.
Your daughter (in-law) Mary of Hampton, VA
Vanessa
November 26, 2012
GRAND DADDY. That says it all. I always wanted to be a daddy's girl and you fulfilled that dream in such a complete and beautiful way. For some of us you assumed the role of daddy when our fathers were not around. And i know without a shadow of doubt the difference you made. A father is a formal role and a biological status. But a daddy is a term of endearment and that role takes time, intention and love.
A daddy offers a shoulder for you to cry on. A daddy does his best to provide for you. A daddy makes you feel worthy and protected. A daddy teaches you, and yes, even disciplines you out of love. A daddy teaches you self-respect. A daddy lets you dance on his feet. A daddy bakes your birthday cakes with homemade icing and even uses food coloring to create the heart that told me exactly how much love was put into it. More precious than silver or gold. You taught me love, by how you imperfectly you tried to perfect your love for my Nana. And you taught me in your silence, by just being present - giving me the gift of many now moments. You were there and never too busy for me. I was worthy of your attention and my conversations mattered to you. You even waited for me so I could be present when you inhaled on this side, and exhaled when you saw Nana face to face. I'll NEVER forget how you looked at me to make sure I would be okay, the one and only time you had to go away.
I love you so much. I'm sooooo grateful that I have no doubt that you know how much I adore you. You have been my daddy, and I'll put the Grand in front of it because that only further explains how perfectly you performed your task and how much I look up to you. GRANDdaddy, that's who you are to me always. Your granddaughter,
November 26, 2012
I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU
NO ONE CAN MAKE COCONUT PIES LIKE YOU DID
I KNOW GOD IS ENJOYING YOUR COMPANY, MISS YOU, FRANCINA EDWARDS, KEY WEST.
Vanessa
November 24, 2012
Love you Granddaddy
Mitchell & Olatha Leggett
November 1, 2012
Uncle Jimmy we were blessed to have you and aunt Leasie with us for so many wonderful years and we thank God for having loaned you to us to impart such great wisdom and love for so long. You are missed but knowing that the two of you are together is comforting. We will cherish the memories of you and aunt Leasie forever.
Love,
Mitchell & Olatha
Vanessa LaTanya Hill
November 1, 2012
Granddaddy, you are the example and my expectation of what it means to be a man. No other man has been as present and constant and consistent in my life. Without one iota of doubt, I know you and Nana love me. I love you and miss you with all my heart. I have a void that simply cannot be filled. ~
Melissa Wallace
October 1, 2012
Uncle Jimmy, missing you and your cookies. You will always be in my heart. Loving you.
Gail Henderson
September 1, 2011
Dad's legacy lives on through all of us!
Memories will always light the corners of my mind, and I will always remember the laughter and the way we were.
Elnita Barnett
November 9, 2010
Mr. Henderson R.I.P eternally with your beautiful wife, other family members and with our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ...
Alana Thurston
November 3, 2010
I will always treasure the time spent with you and Mrs. Merlice in Key West, the both of you instilled so much wisdom about the church and great grandparents. I will never forget you and Mrs. Merlice.
Love, Alana Thurston
Frebetta Henderson-Hardney
November 2, 2010
We were all blessed by your wisdom and love. You are already missed. Kiss Nana for me. We love you.
Thaddeeus & Diane Dean
November 1, 2010
Our prayers are with you and May God's love and peace be with you always.
Shano, Maria, and Olivia
November 1, 2010
Grandpa it was so good seeing your smile one more time. We miss you, we miss you very much. We know you're smiling and having a good time. We thank God for you and the time we shared. We love you.
Gealdine B. Hopson
November 1, 2010
God in His wisdom joined two souls and then God reunited those souls. Now the brightness of their (2) candles gives us hope for our todays and tomorrows.
Baptist Young women Circle Minitry
November 1, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Lorene Smith
November 1, 2010
Sorryfor your loss.May god contiune to heal you.
Doreen Woods
October 23, 2010
To the family of Mr. Henderson,
May God comfort you and keep you strong in your time of sorrow. I did not know him personally, but I knew of him. I truly believe that God,in His infinite wisdom, has both Mr.and Mrs. Henderson together praising and rejoicing. God's love is eternal and never changing. May God bless you all.
Ruffie & Andrea Bizzle
October 18, 2010
We are so very sorry for your loss. Please accept our condolences. May God continue to bless you during your time of bereavement. We love you, please feel, free to call on us at any time.
Raymond Johnson
October 18, 2010
Rev. Dr. Salathiel Henderson, May God Almighty heal your heart, and assist you in remembering the good times and you great upbringing that you continue to share with others. God Bless . Ray Johnson Sr.
MORNING STAR BAPTIST CHURCH
October 18, 2010
TO Rev.Dr.Salathiel Henderson & Family:
We, the Fellowship Gatekeepers of Morning Star Baptist Church are offering our deepest sympathy in the loss of your"Great Warrior". May God's Bountiful Blessings continue to shower upon your entire family. We will keep the family lifted in our prayers
Rev. Evelyn Johnson
October 18, 2010
Dear Rev. Dr, Salathiel,
Please excuse my error in misspelling your name.
Thank you.
Rev. E. Johnson
Patricia Ricks
October 17, 2010
Rev. Sister Gail Henderson and Family,
At at time when words are hard to find may you know God's comforting presence, His faithful love, and His peace that passes understanding to carry you through this difficult time.
With Heartfelt Sympathy and Prayer,
Love, Cullen, Pat, & Chelsea
Cody Brown
October 17, 2010
Pops,
I am going to miss talking to you about football and the good times we shared among us listing to Oldies but Goodie songs. I will always love you, your Son-in-Law.
Raissa Evans
October 17, 2010
Pops,
I have to say I am going to miss you. Now that you and Big Nana are gone,who am I going to sing to? It is hard to think that you are gone. I wanted you to hear the song I wrote for you. I love you with all my heart and will always be there, no matter what.
Love your Great-Daughter
Romar Evans
October 17, 2010
Pops,
Its sad to see you go, yet you lived a long and wonderful life. Now you don't have to worry about sickness and worries. I will truely miss you and though its sad, I will see you again. Love you Pops, your Great-Grandson.
October 17, 2010
I'am so very sorry for the loss of your father. May God give you peace in this very trying time. God bless you!
Wilbur Bivins
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