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Merlice HENDERSON Obituary
A native of Key West, Fla., she lived in Hampton for five years. She worked in the school system in Key West, Fla., and also was a homemaker. She was a member of Bethel AME Church (Key West, Fla.) for more than 80 years. After moving to Hampton, she became a member of Bethel AME Church in Hampton.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four brothers and four sisters.
Those left to honor her memory include her beloved husband of 67 years, James J. Henderson Jr.; sons, the Rev. (Dr.) Salathiel J. Henderson I (Mary), and Cornelius W. Henderson; daughters, Orissa H. Brown (Robert) and the Rev. Gail Henderson; eight grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; many relatives and friends.
A service to celebrate her life will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5, at Bethel AME Church, 94 Lincoln Street, Hampton, where Mrs. Henderson will be placed by 9 a.m. Interment will be in Key West, Fla. Remains rest at Smith Brothers Funeral Home where a viewing will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. and visitation from 5 to 6 p.m. today.
Family and friends will assemble Tuesday by 10 a.m. at 5 Grant Allen Court, Hampton, for procession to the church.
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 Merlice HENDERSON
Sponsored by Henderson Family.
Melissa Wallace
January 23, 2024
Memories of yesterday will always play a song in my heart of the stories we shared, the walks and drives we took to church, the songs we sang, the tears and laughter that we shared. The whisper and secrets we shared. God blessed me with your unconditional love, and you loved me as one of your own (daughters) and for that I will always be grateful to God and thankful to you. My love is forever...
Ashanti MeJoy
January 22, 2024
Grateful to have been in your presence. Thank you, auntie, for your guidance and blessings from the ancestral realm. May peace, abundance, and prosperity be upon you. Thank you, auntie. For everything.
Love, Ashanti MeJoy (Great-niece)
Vanessa L. Hill
September 30, 2020
10 years. It feels like yesterday. I feel your presence, embrace and constant guidance as my guardian ancestor. May I always live my life to make you proud.
Guardian Ancestors
Vanessa Hill
October 5, 2019
Nana...tis the season I often dread. But please help me to shift my thinking to believe this to be a miracle 13 days between yours and granddaddy's transition to the ancestral realm. I love you so much and thank you for your continual communication and guidance. Love you so much.
Elnita Barnett
October 1, 2019
May God Bless you and your Family and shall you Forever treasure the Love and Memories.
Vanessa Hill
October 24, 2016
I feel you all around me. I pray my life properly honors your legacy. I long to be as wise as you, as gracious as you, as strong as you, as insightful as you, as kind as you. Please continue to walk with me, guide and protect as you are my revered guardian ancestor. May you continue to dance in the light and love of our Savior and Most High God. Ashe.
Henderson Family
Gail Henderson
November 2, 2013
1969 Dad and Mom
Gail Henderson
November 2, 2013
Orissa Brown
November 2, 2013
Mom,
It's been over 3 years,Sept.29,2010, since I heard your voice saying "ORISSA BYE",Even though I was on my way back there.You have never said BYE to me before.Cody said, you were letting me know you couldn't wait for me.
I really miss talking with you every day & night. I miss you so much.
I thank God for you. You were a wonderful Mother & friend.
You will always be in my HEART.
ONE DAY I WILL SEE YOU AGAIN.
I LOVE YOU MOM!
Your Daughter,
Orissa
Orissa Brown
November 2, 2013
This candle is in memory of your Birthday;November 28,2013 & Thanksgiving Day.
Love you Mom!
November 22, 2012
This is the second Thanksgiving since your passing on. Thanksgiving was your favorite holiday for God brought you into this world thru Mrs. Beatrice Elizabeth Rolle McIntosh on Thursday, November 28, 1922. God knew that He needed a ROSE amidst many thorns, so He blessed your family with you.
I am so honored and so thankful that God so fit to birth me through you and Dad.
You and Dad are truly missed, but today I am so grateful, today I am so thankful that God blessed me to be your daughter.
Happy Thanksgiving, Mom!
Missing you,
Gail - 11/22/2012
Sharlene Tate
November 20, 2012
November 20, 2012
Mom Henderson, I only knew you for a short time, but it was as if I'd known you all my life. I know there was a reason for our paths to cross. God wanted me to see and know that I was in the presence of one of his anointed angels. I will always be thankful that he chose me to be a part of your life, even if just for a little while. I know we'll meet again.
Oreatha Thompson
November 18, 2012
Dear mrs. Henderson, you have always been like a second mother to me. You are a beautiful bright star and I miss you dearly. I will always remember you until we meet again. I will carry you in my heart.
Roddy Evans Jr
November 2, 2012
Nana, there's not enough words to express how much I LOVE & MISS YOU!!!!
I will always keep you in my Heart until the day I see you again...
Love You always
Your Grand Son
Roddy Jr
Gail Henderson
November 1, 2012
I am lighting another candle in memory of my loving Mother.
Dad, Corn, Mom
Gail Henderson
November 1, 2012
With all my love, Jimmy; husband of 67 years 10 month
Gail Henderson
November 1, 2012
2006 - New members at Bethel in Hampton, VA
Gail Henderson
November 1, 2012
Bethel AME Church in Key West, Fl
Gail Henderson
November 1, 2012
At a restaurant in Spain - 1971
Gail Henderson
November 1, 2012
Remembering you and Dad at 65th Anniversary - Renewal of Vows
Gail Henderson
November 1, 2012
Always thanks to you and Dad for caring for Vanessa while I was out of town.
Gail Henderson
November 1, 2012
All your children and some grands at Birthday Celebration in Key West, FL
Gail Henderson
November 1, 2012
Mom & Dad, remembering time at Tameka's Home
Gail Henderson
November 1, 2012
Goodbye Celebration from Bethel AME Church in Key West, FL
Gail Henderson
November 1, 2012
Salathiel Henderson II
November 1, 2012
Nana,
As I write this, it's still difficult to believe you (and Gramps) are no longer here with us. I don't talk much about it because its that hard. I do wanna say 'thank you' for allowing me to share one of your last moments with you...singing hymns with you while holding your hand. Something I will never forget. There is a song that Richard Smallwood sings called 'I'll see you again'. When I hear it, I see you and Gramps in Aunt Gail's kitchen. Gramps is cooking, while you sit at the table; both in your robes and scarfs on your heads... This is hard for me to write. I miss you both. I love you... Can't wait to see you in that by and by. Til we meet again, Nana...
Family & Friends Celebration in 2005
Gail Henderson
November 1, 2012
Remembering your goodbye celebration in July 2005 at Bethel AME Church in Key West, Florida
Oneida Evans
November 1, 2012
I am missing you So Much Nana B. I will always carry Your Beautiful Smile, Your Warm Heart, and Your Loving Soul with me. I will always Love You NANA! REST In PEACE.
Love Your Granddaughter
Olatha Leggett
November 1, 2012
Aunt Leasie I still miss you ...there are just no words to express how much. I think of you often...very good and beautiful thoughts. When you lose someone as precious as you, no one can really know all that you feel but I know in my heart you left us to take your much deserved rest in a better place. I am strengthened by so many good memories of you and I'm at peace by the love you shared with all of us. Rest well, I'll see you on the other side.
Much Love, Olatha & Mitchell Leggett
Robert Brown
November 1, 2012
Mom,
I miss you very much. I know you are happy.
Love you!
Robert your son-in-law
Mollie Brown
November 1, 2012
Leasie,I love you.I know you are having a good time. Be Blessed!
ALICIA DUDLEY
November 1, 2012
I have been told all my life that I look like my great aunt Licy (affectionately called) when she was my age and younger. What a wonderful compliment to hear that you resemble a loving family member who was also very close to my grandmother (Merlice's sister, Agatha Vandeline McIntoch Summons). What an honor to have stayed with, eaten at the same table with, and been cared for by such a special women, my great aunt Merlice.
Love Alicia and The Dudley's Family
(Thomas, Tedii, and Miah)
November 1, 2012
I will always remember the night of September 29, 2010 as if it were yesterday because I witnessed such a radiant smile on my mother-in-law's face. I had just completed her bath and Gail and I had just gotten her settled for the night. I remember asking her "what did you see?". and she said Shano (her youngest grandson). I then asked, what is he doing?, and she answered "helping me into the car, and the light is green." She clearly let us know then that the time had come for her to go to her Heavenly Home. I vividly remember how peaceful and happy she was. In our many chats leading up to her death she always talked about the family and how much she loved everyone of them. I will always be grateful for the many years that she was a part of my life and for the love shared. I will remember her with fond memories, and that she always told me that the only difference between me and her daughters is that she did not give birth to me, and that's powerful.
Your daughter-in-law/daughter, Mary
Salathiel James Henderson, I
November 1, 2012
Yes, it's been two years(+) since Mom and I last comunicated "on this side", yet I shall NEVER forget her final statement with me..."I love you - I love all of you, take care of yourselves...". Often when Mary and I are reflecting, I make the attempt to call Mom & Dad, realizing it's no longer "on this side". I truly miss her, the profound encouraging words of Wisdom, shared with her special touch of love, which shall always be with me! A everlasting love- The Eldest, Jimmy
November 1, 2012
I MISS YOU, MY FRIEND
NO WORDS CAN DESCRIBE WHAT I FEEL INSIDE
YOU'VE BEEN MY ANGEL WHEN THE DEVIL ROAMED
YOU WERE MY SHINING LIGHT THROUGH STORMS
YOU WERE ALWAYS PUSHING ME TO REACH MY GOALS
I MISS YOU SO MUCH
YOUR KEY WEST FRIEND, FRANCINA EDWARDS
Bobby Bowser
November 1, 2012
To Gail & the Family:
I will always remember the all the kind words and expressions of love given at the home going of your mother. She must have been and angel just waiting to receive her wings.
Vanessa LaTanya Hill
November 1, 2012
Nana, not a day goes by that I don't ask myself am I living up to your legacy. Please continue to guide me. I love you and miss you more than words can explain. ~
Juliette Martin-Thomas
November 1, 2012
In honor of my aunt Merlice the following poem is offered:
THERE IS NO DOUBT IN THE
MCINTOSH-HENDERSON FAMILY LINE
There is no doubt in our family line
Ancestors call their progeny
To stand boldly upon unbowed shoulders
To reach forward with work grommed hands
To see clearly through seasoned eyes
Vital visons
Challenging all limits
Imposed by blindness
Born of social ills
There is no doubt in our family line
Fathers beckon strength from the past
Mothers speak hope to the future
Children connect now
In this time, in this place
with hearts and minds
bearing fertile messages
from a family willfully linked
Across time and space
There is no doubt in our family line
Florida sewn seeds
produce fruitful yields
Launch uncommon intellects
Hurl eager and diligent beings
Across America and beyond
There is no doubt in our family line
We reveal what is possible
Model what is attainable
And dismantle all obstacles
To the promise of familial love in motion
We are blessed!
Juliette Martin-Thomas
November 1, 2012
To know you was to love you. You had a kind and loving spirit that will dwell in our hearts always. We are thankful for the time we were able to spend with you.
The Whites (Ramona, Derek, Nicole, Deonna and Danae)
Irene Hardy
October 31, 2012
I was blessed to have met Ms. Henderson through her daughter, Gail. I will continue to keep the family in my thoughts and prayers
Keena Allen
October 3, 2012
God truly blessed us with you and you are forever in my heart. Thank you for your neverending love.
Love you always and Miss you so much,
Keena Weena
Your Girl Forever, Melissa Wallace
October 1, 2012
It's been two years, Wow it seems just like yesterday. Aunt Lesie, its really different without you. But there's a higher power that we answer to and you heard him calling your name. I really miss you, eveything about you and I know you want us all to be strong, but I really miss you my buddy, I really miss you my firend and I promise my love for you will never end.
Gail Henderson
September 16, 2012
Remembering my Mother during this time of year and the month of her passing.
Mom is really missed and I reflect on the love she always showed not only to her immediate family but to all that she met.
Missing my mother.
Her daughter
Gail Henderson
September 1, 2011
Our Mother's legacy has been left with us to always remember.
August 3, 2011
You will always be in our spirit.
Vanessa Hill
August 2, 2011
Nana, Not a day goes by that I don't ache to lay my head in your lap. A piece of me is forever gone. I know you're no longer in pain and you are in a better place. But I miss you so much. I love you with everything I have. I pray I am able to continue your legacy and make you proud.
Elnita Barnett
November 9, 2010
Mrs. Henderson your beautiful spirit lives on in your children, grandchildren and other family members. Your Earthly loss is truly Heaven's gain.
Ann Menite
November 3, 2010
Mrs.Henderson you will be miss. by averyone.we have had some good laughs together.you have always been so kind to me and i want to say thank you.
Alana Thurston
November 3, 2010
You will forever remain in my heart Mrs. Merlice; I will cherish our long conversations about church, my children and life itself. Thank for the wisdom you instilled in me when you left Key West. I love you both forever.
Frebetta Henderson
November 2, 2010
It is a blessing to a smile I will never forget. I'd like to thank God for allowing me to spend a part of my life with you. I LOVE YOU.
Frebetta Henderson-Hardney
November 2, 2010
It is a blessing just to see that smile I will never forget. I'd like to thank God for allowing me to spend a part of my life with you. I LOVE YOU.
Frebetta Henderson-Hardney
November 2, 2010
To see the smile I will never forget is a blessing within itself. We will miss you but most of all never forget you. I'd like to thank God for allowing me to share most of my life with you. I LOVE YOU.
Robert Brown
November 2, 2010
Mom I will miss you. I will always have you in my heart. Love you,
Your Son In-law.
Vilma Salas
November 2, 2010
You will be in our hearth for ever.
-Vilma Salas
Orissa Brown
November 2, 2010
Mom,I will miss you.But you will always live in my heart and prayers.I LOVE YOU!
Your daughter.
Thaddeus & Diane Dean
November 1, 2010
May God's love and peace be with you and your family. Always remember the wonderful years and our prayers are with you always.
Shano, Maria, and Olivia
November 1, 2010
Nana we miss you and we are so glad for our relationship. We know you are enjoying yourself where you are. Even though there is hurt because you are gone physically, we are happy for your ended suffering. We love you and thank God for beautiful memories.
Kaleena Rodrigues
November 1, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Keena Allen
November 1, 2010
Thank you for being a Auntie, for teaching me, loving me, caring about me and for sharing yourself and family with me.
I'll love you always, Keena Weena
Geraldine Hopson
November 1, 2010
The flickering glow of a candle will always remind me of the songs of your dear mothers life.Grace, God's grace is sufficient - Sis. Geraldine Hopson
Baptist Young Women Circle Ministry
November 1, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Lorene Smith
November 1, 2010
My heart and prayers are with you and the family.Myprayer is healing to each of you.
Gail Henderson
November 1, 2010
My mother has truly been a light in this world. Her light will shine always in our hearts.
Mr. Arthur L. & Rev. Evelyn M. Johnson
October 18, 2010
Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.
Dear Rev. Dr. Salathiel,
A precious jewel your mom was indeed. I will miss her in church and giving her Communion.
Arthur and I extended our deepest condolences to you and your loved ones.
God is sovereign and will comfort, strengthen and grant you peace during your bereavement period and thereafter.
You are in our prayers.
Blessings,
Raissa Evans
October 17, 2010
Big Nana,
I am going to miss you, with your smile and your love around me. I am going to keep you in my heart, and your faith in me to accomplish singing. "Jesus Take The Wheel" will always be the song for you. I love you and always will.
Your Great-Granddaughter
Romar Evans
October 17, 2010
Big Nana,
Its such a tragedy to see such a wonderful woman leave the world. You were such a sweet person that always brought happiness and love to everyone you met. I will surely miss you, but I will see you again someday. I love you, From you Great-Grandson.
October 12, 2010
Stew and I extend sincere condolences to the Henderson family. Rev Gail from your OES sister/Brother and part-time member and to Rev Salathiel - God bless all - Ellen Stewart (Bethel A.M.E Church)
Hortense Peoples
October 11, 2010
To The Henderson Family:
Along with my brother, (James Carey-Key West, FL) and sister, (Judge Margaret Carey McCray-Greenville, MS), please accept our deepest sympathy in your loss. We join in adding our sadden hearts to the vast list of many relatives and friends.
Rayshon & Kayla Lyons
October 6, 2010
We will always remember Mrs. Henderson one of our mentors here at Bethel A.M.E Church Key West we will always remember the Church School motto: Our Church school must grow and glow and I must help to make it so every member a christian every christian a worker a worker that is trained needs not be ashamed this we ask in Jesus Name we have come we have studied we have learned so until our next coming together to study God's work may his rich blessings reside with you and may his grace be eternally yours. Mrs. Henderson taught us alot and she loved her church and the Church school she's gone but never forgotten it is our prayer that the Lord with give you all strength at this your time of sorrow and always.
Portia Richardson
October 6, 2010
To the family of the late Mrs. Merlice Henderson, may continue to strengthen you as you go through your time of bereavement.
olivia shell
October 6, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Muriel Augustus
October 5, 2010
Dear Rev. Henderson,
Our family wishes to extend its deepest symapthies on the passing of your mother. You are such an inspiration to us and our hearts and prayers are with you at this time. Members of your Queen Street Baptist Church family - George, Muriel, Ashley & Nicholas Augustus
Linda Freeman
October 5, 2010
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Patricia C-Ricks
October 4, 2010
Dear Rev. Gail Henderson, my dear Sister, to you and your family -
As you walk through this sad time, may God's strength support you, His Word guide you and His grace surround you.
God will give you the hope and assurance that your mother is now experiencing all the joy of heaven as God our Father promised. God will be with you as you walk through each step of this journey.
Love,
Rev. Patricia Crawley-Ricks & Family
CoCintheane Hutchison
October 4, 2010
Dear Rev. Henderson and family, I was so saddened to learn of your mother's passing. I really enjoyed being around all of you when I lived in Hampton, in Fox Hill, and was a member of Antioch, on Old Buckroe Road, at the beach. That was a fun and grand time. Thank you so very much for all you did for my family and me. May God continue to comfort and bless you in this time of sorrow. I know your mom lived a very blessed and full life; and she now rests in the loving arms of our Lord. Yet, there is never a time that we are ready to part and we only have one dear mother. Cry, pray, bless and celebrate Ms. Merlice, and know that God has called another angel up to Heaven with Him, our Savior. Much Love 2 U all, CoCo & family
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