Ms. Clara Mae Henderson

Ms. Clara Mae Henderson, 80, of Richton Park IL formerly of Mt. Pleasant, MS, transitioned on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at her residence.

Clara was a kind and caring woman, who gave the best hugs and always had time for people, no matter what was going on in her day. She would welcome you in with her robust personality, cook for you and fellowship. She had a niche for flower arrangements, boutonnieres and talking on the phone. She had a passion for bringing her family together and taking them to church. You always felt loved after spending time with Clara.

Clara Henderson, was born on September 14, 1943 in Slayden, Mississippi to J.T. and Katie Henderson. She loved the Lord and accepted Christ at an early age at Concord M.B. Church. Clara graduated from Sandflat High School and a few years later relocated to Chicago in 1964. Sometime after settling in Chicago, she joined Mt. Elim Baptist Church where she was an active servant and sang in the choir for over 20 years. Clara later joined Zion Traveler's M.B. Church in 1994 where she was a devote Christian for over 30 years and served faithfully on the usher ministry until her health declined.

Growing up, Clara was the oldest of 13 children. When her younger siblings came along, she took on her role of big sister with great pride, making sure they were well looked after and included in all the family activities. She had a unique relationship with each of her siblings that only they could explain.

Clara had a special cherished bond with her cousin and best friend Petrolia Cox who she enjoyed spending time with. They had been inseparable since childhood until Clara's untimely death. She also shared a wonderful sisterhood with Ovaline White, Barbara Johnson and Juanita Blaylock and not a day went by without her talking to Puddin and Ovaline.

Clara was a hard worker and took good care of her family as she worked tirelessly for Brodie Advertising / Northwest Mailing Services for over 30 years. Her pride and joy were her children. She raised three daughters and a son, instilling in them the value of education, good work ethic, fellowship with family, and the love of Christ. Once the grandchildren came along the kids were tossed aside and the grandchildren became her "True" pride and joy.

Caring for others was a character trait of Clara's that shone through in her daily life and was particularly evident to her family. Clara was feisty but would happily be a listening ear and helping hand whenever she was needed. She opened her home on numerous occasions for those that were in need at the time.

Clara loved to talk on phone, take pictures, talk on the phone, host family gatherings, talk on the phone, and always looked forward to attending church on Sundays. On Sunday, March 24th, 2024 at Franciscan Health Hospital, Clara took her wings to fly away, and put on her robe to tell her story of how she made it over.

Clara was preceded in death by her parents J.T. and Katie Henderson, siblings Aaron, Ora Jean Henderson and, Cellestine Moore, grandchildren, Tristen S Roberson and Nylah Henderson, 3 nephews Stanley Moore, Darrell Jones and Lorenzo Henderson.

Clara leaves to cherish her four children: Gloria Roberson (Jerry) Grand Prairie TX, Gwendolyn Anderson (Derrick) Mt. Pleasant, MS, Stafanie Jones (Keir) Monee, IL, Antonio Henderson (LaTasha) Flossmoor, IL, siblings; Louis J Powell (John) Olive Branch, MS, Willie J Henderson, Mt. Pleasant, MS, Sarah Jones (John) Lamar, MS, Jerome Henderson (Annette) Mt. Pleasant, MS, Fournice Henderson, Mt. Pleasant, MS, Debra Wright (Clarence) Mt. Pleasant MS, Kent Henderson, Mt. Pleasant, MS, ten grandchildren, four greatgrandchildren, special cousin/daughter Marie Dixon (Ricky), Yvonne Wyatt and Gwendoln Bell, four god children, Michael and Maurice Dortch, Shameka White, LaDarrius Wright and Jermaine Shields along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Services will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at Concord  M.B. Church, 755 Concord Rd., Lamar, MS  38642

Body will lie in state one hour before service time.

Burial will take place in the church cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home of Holly Springs, MS   

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