Angeles "Angie" Henderson

Angeles "Angie" Henderson, 89, of Newport News, Virginia, passed away on November 10, 2025, in Everett, Washington.

Born on March 19, 1936, in Tangier, Morocco, to Spanish parents, José Méndez (1906–1986) and Francisca Cabezas (1906–1994), Angie grew up during the era when Morocco was a Spanish/French protectorate. The second of five children, she graduated from French schools and used her trilingual skills for nearly a decade as a senior secretary-translator at the American Embassy in Rabat, Morocco.

In 1970, Angie met the love of her life, James "Jim" W. Henderson, Sr. (1934–2008), who was then serving with the U.S. Air Force at the Embassy. She emigrated to the United States, and they married in 1971. After living briefly in Florida, they settled in Virginia in 1973, where they raised their son, Joseph Lynn Henderson, in Newport News. Angie was a devoted wife and mother, volunteering actively in her son's schools and contributing her time to many charitable organizations.

After Jim's passing in 2008, Angie persevered with remarkable strength and grace. She built deep and lasting friendships within the local French-speaking community and found renewed purpose through several social and cultural groups. These connections enriched her life in her later years and became a cherished source of companionship, laughter, and support.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her parents-in-law, John "Bill" and Nina Henderson; sisters-in-law Jean Morse (Harold), Sheila Debord (Mackie), Linda McElroy (Bill), and Diane Allison (Ralph "Bunk"); and brothers-in-law Gerald Henderson, Rudy Henderson, Garland Henderson, Danny Henderson, Michael Henderson, and René Kalflèche.

Angie is survived by her son, Joseph Lynn Henderson of Everett, Wash.; sisters María Méndez of Marbella, Spain, and Margarita Kalflèche of Marseille, France; brothers José Méndez (Clara) and Carlos Méndez (Claudia) of Marbella, Spain; stepchildren James W. Henderson, Jr. (Gail) and Teresa Henderson of Ft. Walton Beach, Fla.; brother-in-law Charles Henderson (Ruthanne) of S. Milwaukee, Wis.; sisters-in-law Glenna Henderson and Linda Henderson of Marion, Va., Frances Henderson and Joann Tolbert of Saltville, Va., and Kiddie Henderson of Show Low, Ariz.; step-grandchildren Jessica Johnson (Matt), Dawn Maxey (Ryan), Damien Waden, and Danielle Waden; several step-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family; and many cherished friends and neighbors.

She will be deeply missed by her son and by all who loved her, and her remarkable spirit will live on in the hearts she touched.