Irene Sanders-Henley

1924 - 2021

Irene Sanders Henley, age 97, went home to be with the Lord on February 11, 2021. She was born on January 31, 1924 in Cleveland, Mississippi to David Sanders and Madeline Hill. Growing up in Cleveland, Irene accepted Christ at an early age and was a faithful member of Peter's Rock Church in Cleveland, MS until she moved to Gary, Indiana. Irene married JC Henley in 1951 and moved to Gary, IN in 1953. Irene loved her family. In addition to being a loving wife and mother, JC's large extended family became Irene's family, and she was a generous and loving sister-in-law and auntie to all their nieces and nephews. Irene and JC were married for over 65 years until his death in 2017.After the move to Gary, Indiana, In the mid-1960s, Irene started her own business and became a seamstress for people from all over Northwest Indiana and Chicago. Wedding dresses, bridesmaids and prom dresses were her specialty. Irene became a member of Tree of Life Missionary Baptist Church where she served for over 40 years as a faithful member. Mother Henley was also a member of the Deaconess Board and a Mother of the Church. Mother Henley loved all the members of Tree of Life, they were her family. Mother Henley lived a full life and her favorite phrase was: "God has been good to me. I've had a good life "Irene made her transition on Thursday, February 11, 2021. She was proceeded in death by both of her parents, her husband, JC, grandmother Amy Hill, and special niece Doris Johnson. She leaves to cherish her memory, daughter Cheryl Hines of Gary, IN; stepson James (Estelle) Henley of San Jose, California; grandchildren Janice (Ben) Bennett, Demetria Weatherington, Kelvin (Reseda) Hines; great grandchildren: Maurice Price, LaTierra Hopkins, Darius Hopkins, Khyre Hines, Kelvins HinesJr., Khyren Hines, Kelaya Hines, Karissa Hines, and Treasure Hines; 6 great great grandchildren, special nephew Richard Johnson, special friends: Juanita Hester, Dorothy (Clitus) Moorehead, her Tree of Life family and a host of dear relatives and friends. Visitation Friday, February 19, 2021 from 9-11:00am with funeral services immediately following at 11:00am. All services at Tree of Life Missionary Baptist Church, 2323 W. 11th Ave., Gary, IN. Rev. Dr. Eric Boone, Sr. Pastor, officiating. Internment will be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Monday, February 22, 2021 at 12 noon.