Stella Henderson

Stella Marie Henderson, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully after a brave battle with cancer on December 20, 2025, at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, California, surrounded by her loving family.

Stella was born on August 5, 1969, in Blythe, California, to Jimmie Henderson and Charlene (Smith) Henderson. She was the third of six children and received her education in the Blythe local school system. A proud graduate of Palo Verde High School, Class of 1987, Stella was a member of the school’s basketball team, where her competitive spirit and love for sports began.

Following high school, Stella began her career at Safeway. After Safeway was officially acquired by Albertsons, she continued her employment with Albertsons, where she dedicated 34 years of loyal service. Stella medically retired in 2025, leaving a legacy of commitment and hard work.

Known as the life of the party, Stella had a joyful and vibrant personality. She loved going to clubs, dancing, concerts, shopping at least 8 hours or more, traveling and cruising Hobson way, always a passenger, never the driver. Among the things Stella enjoyed most were her pedicures, taking time to treat herself. Stella rarely went anywhere without a camera, earning her affectionate nickname “Stella’s Photography” from a friend. Eventually, her camera was replaced by her cellphone, but her passion for capturing memories never faded.

Stella was a devoted fan of Mexican cuisine, and dining out with her always meant choosing a Mexican restaurant, especially one that served margaritas. In her downtime, she enjoyed watching her favorite television shows and was a deeply committed sports fan. Stella proudly supported the Los Angeles Lakers, with Kobe Bryant as her favorite player, and the Dallas Cowboys as her favorite NFL Team. She never shied away from friendly, toe-to-toe sports debates, particularly about basketball and football.

Some of Stella’s most cherished moments were spent watching games with her father, Jimmie. She especially treasured their time together on Father’s Day, birthdays, and dinner dates. Stella adored her nieces and nephews, whom she loved to spoil before happily returning them to their parents.

Stella’s spirit will live on through treasured memories and in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

She is survived by her father loving father, Jimmie Henderson, stepmother, Albert Henderson; sisters, Virda Mae Henderson, Stefanie Anderson, Marietta Henderson, Tina Henderson, brother Richard Henderson, Sr. (Beatrice). She also leaves to cherish her memory a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and beloved confidants and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Charlene (Smith) Henderson

Visitation services will be held at Frye Chapel on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, from 5-8 p.m., funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.