Lt. Col. Mary Louise Henderson RET

On Tuesday evening, May 14, 2024, Sister Mary Louise Henderson was called by God from Labor to Reward while at her home in Hampton, VA. She was born to the late Mr. Oliver Henderson & Mrs. Eloise Henderson on August 9, 1945, in Fernandina Beach, FL.

Sister Henderson graduated from Peck High School in Fernandina Beach, Florida in 1963. Additionally, Sister Henderson graduated from the Grady Memorial Hospital School of Professional Nursing in Atlanta, GA with a Diploma in Nursing (Registered Nurse) in 1966, and in 2001, graduated with honors from Hampton University in Hampton, VA with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Amidst her educational pursuits and accomplishments, Sister Henderson enlisted in the United States Air Force and meritoriously served her country for 22 years (active and reserve), retiring as Lt. Colonel (reservist). Her nursing career has spanned more than 42 years including service as the Nurse Manager for the Hospice Unit for the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Hampton, VA (25 years); a propelling member of the Tri-Hospital Hospice Training Program (developed by Hospice staff from the Veterans Affairs Medical Center-Hampton, Riverside Hospital and Mary Immaculate Hospital, to educate Hospice volunteers); and the “preceptor” with the Geriatrics Clerkship Program of the Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk State University and Hampton University School of Nursing.

Since 1979, Sister Henderson remained an active member of the Antioch Baptist Church, Hampton, VA where the Rev. Kirk T. Houston, Jr. is now Pastor. She served in several capacities in the church including member of the Deaconess Ministry; President of the Health Care Ministry; and Co-Director of the Bereavement Ministry. That said, her ministry fueled by her love and commitment to God and His Word as well as her love of Antioch were of substantial significance in her life.  She also previously served as the First Lady of New Beginning Faith Community Baptist Church of Wakefield, VA where her beloved late husband of nearly 55 years was the former Pastor.

Sister Henderson held several prestigious posts of honor including member of Nursing Recruitment and Retention Committee; acting chair of the Nurse Professional Standards Board, Department of Veterans Affairs, Hampton, VA; member of the Veterans Affairs Nurse Recruiter’s Association; member of the Ethics Committee; and member of the Board of Directors of the Veterans Affairs Federal Credit Union, Hampton, VA. She was affiliated with various local community organizations and received several special contributory awards and “special advancements” for performance including an award in February 2009 for 35 years of dedicated and exemplary service to the United States Government.    

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband of nearly 55 years, Rev. Dr. Salathiel James Henderson, I. She was also preceded in death by her siblings: Bernice Walker, Gladys Henry, and James “Bubba” Henderson, Sr. Sister Henderson's memory will be treasured by her two sons: Salathiel James II “Jay” (Stephani, long-time partner) and Chaplain Shane Jamal (Maria); grandchildren: Olivia, Kennedy-Rose, Yeshua, Saint Michael and, bonus grandson, Tashan; one sister: Pearlie Mae Edwards; one brother: Rudolph (Kia) Henderson, Sr.; two sisters-in-law: Orissa (Robert) Brown and Gail Henderson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and devoted friends.

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