Obit:
Earnese Henderson
ALTON
January 18, 2008 5:32 PM
Earnese Branch Henderson, 92, died at 9:25 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, at Saint Anthony's Hospital in Alton.
She was born June 18, 1915, in Holly Grove, Ark., to Vennie See Woods Branch and Jimmy Branch, who are both deceased.
She married Arthur Henderson on Sept. 28, 1930.
The family moved to Alton in 1942 and she united with Campbell A.M.E. Church. She returned to West Helena, Ark. in 1955, where she remained for 45 years. She was quite active in her community, was a member of the NAACP, Graveyard Club, president of Holly Grove Homecoming Club-West Helena Chapter. She returned to Alton in October of 2000 and began her journey of restoring the old and establishing many new acquaintances.
Survivors include three sons, James E. Henderson Sr. of Springfield, Ill., Ernest (Gloria) Henderson of Indianapolis, E. Bert Henderson of Alton; three daughters, Betty (James) Holloway of Godfrey, Minister Joyce Y. Elliott, and Janice (William) Watson, both of Alton; stepchildren, Ruby Madison and William (Barbara) Thompson, both of Alton, Marilyn Glen of Alton; two brothers, Jasper (Siriena) Branch of Chicago, and the Rev. E. Lewis (LoeRessie) Branch of So. San Francisco, Calif.; son-in-law, Linwood Rayford Elliott; daughters-in-law, Warner Jean Henderson, Coena Henderson, and Elouise Henderson; 32 grandchildren; 70 great-grandchildren; and 22 great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband; three sons, Charles Melvin, Billie Wright and Arthur Douglas Henderson; a daughter, Dorothy Jean Henderson; two brothers, Leo and Junior Henderson; one grandchild; four great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; special friends, Velma Price, Gertie Charles; and special cousin, Nevader Simes.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Cathy M. Williams and Sons Funeral Home in Alton.
The Rev. Thomas Gipson, of West Helena, will conduct services at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Lead the Way Church in Alton.
Burial will be at Upper Alton Cemetery.
Tribute:
A TIME TO BE BORN: Mrs. Earnese Branch Henderson entered this world on June 18, 1915 in the little farming town of Holly Grove, Arkansas. She was the first of four children born to parents, Jimmy and Vennie See Woods Branch. Earnese, nurtured by her grandmother Jenny Love Woods, received her education in Holly Grove. She found a need for Christ in her life at an early age and united with the St. Paul A.M.E. Church where she began her faith journey singing in the choir and served as president of the Allen Christian Endeavours (A.C.E.) League.
A TIME TO LOVE: On September 28, 1930, Earnese was united in Holy Matrimony to Arthur Henderson of Humphrey, Arkansas. She immediately moved to Humphrey with her husband and united with Ridgel Chapel A.M.E. Church - where she continued her walk of faith, sang in the choir ans was soon elected as treasurer of the A.C.E. League. Their union was blessed with three sons and a daughter while living in Humphrey (Arthur, Billie, James, & Betty).
Work was limited in the south, and industry began to blossom in the north, so the family moved to Alton, IL in 1942. Earnese found a new church home with Campbell Chapel A.M.E. Church. There she met lifetime friends, Mrs. Juanita Banks and Mrs. Pearl Smith. She was blessed with four more children (Charles, Dorothy, Joyce, & Janice). In 1950, the family moved to Michigan City, Indiana where she gave birth to two more sons (Ernest and Ethilbert).
A TIME TO CAST AWAY STONES: Mrs. Henderson returned to Arkansas in 1954 to reside with her father and grandmother in Marvell. She moved to West Helena in 1955 and remained there for forty-five years. She was employed as a Domestic Worker and Cook for the Crabtree, Overton, and Branch Families. With the Lord as her shepherd, she united with Allen Temple A.M.E. Church with Rev. F. Booker as Pastor. She kept her hands on the Gospel Plow as a member of the #1 choir, Secretary of both the Rainbow Club and Stewardess Board #2 and President of Stewardess Board #1 adn was a church Trustee. She also served as President of the Missionary Society and Vice-President of the East Northeast Missionary Arkansas Conference. She received much recognition for her faithful and dedicated service to the Lord.
A TIME TO PLANT: Earnese was active in her church and community. She was a member of the NAACP-West Helena Branch, Oakgrove Graveyard Club, The Holly Grove Homecoming Club-(President of the West Helena Chapter for 17 years). She had a passion to become a writer and fulfilled it by keeping others well informed with well documented secretarial notes for the clubs and detailed letter writing to her family and friends. If she couldn't write it, she said it! However busy, she found time to accept on of life's greatest challenges - help raised grandchildren: WarnerNeice, Cathy, Edward and Warren Delon Henderson. Oh my, what a time to weep...........and.............Laugh!
A TIME TO EMBRACE: She loved to travel! Whenever the opportunity or need was there, she would board the Greyhound Bus enroute to graduations, birth of grandchildren, homegoing celebrations, or just to visit family and friends no matter how far the distance. Very kind and considerate, she never met a stranger. Her love for people was genuine and once she met anyone, they became a new chapter in her life story. Blessed with a memory that many desire to possess, she never forgot a birthday or other special occasions.
A TIME TO REND AND A TIME TO SEW: After much consideration, on October 29, 2000 she bid farewell to friends in West Helena, Arkansas and returned to Alton, Illinois with Joyce to be near her family. Reunited with old acquaintances and establishing new ones, she stayed in touch with all of her friends in West Helena and elsewhere. As a resident of Marion Heights she attended services at the Chapel on a regular basis until her health began to fail.
A TIME TO GET AND A TIME TO LOSE: One generation passeth away and another generation cometh. Earnese's longivity was indeed a blessing from the Lord as she gained wisdom throughout her lifetime. She was preceded in death by her 99 year old grandmother, Amanda Branch, her 83 year old mother, 86 year old father and 91 year old husband Arthur, two brothers, Leo and Junior Branch; three sons, Arthur, Billie, and Charles Henderson; grand daughter, Patrece Henderson, and four great grand-children; Jai and Cincere Holloway, Travis Watson, and NaShau Armstead, one great great grandchild, BreShau Versie.
A TIME TO REMEMBER: On Thursday, January 17, 2008 @ 9:25 a.m., Mother Earnese Henderson entered eternal rest. To cherish many blessed memories, she leaves; Sons: James Henderson, Sr. of Springfield, IL, Ernest (Gloria) Henderson of Indianapolis, IN, E. Bert Henderson, and William (Barbara) Thompson of Alton, IL and Daughters: Betty (James) Holloway of Godfrey, IL, Minister Joyce Y. Elliott, Janice (William) Watson, Marilyn Glen and Ruby Madison all of Alton. Special son-in-law, Linwood Elliott, daughters-in-law Warner Jean Henderson, Bonella Towns, Coena Henderson, Elouise Henderson. (2) Brothers, Mr. Jasper (Sirlena) Branch of Chicago, IL and Rev. E. Lewis (LoeRessie) Branch of So. San Francisco, CA. Thirty-three grandchildren, seventy great grandchildren and twenty-two great great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, her devoted homemaker, Patricia Brown adn lifelong friends... Mrs. Velma Price, Mrs. Gertie Charles, Charlotte Robinson, Sarah Foster, and Jessie Matthews.
OH WHAT A TIME: There are many stories yet to be told........ And if you knew Earnese well, ..... there is certainly one your heart beholds! ......................To God Be The Glory!
Earnese Henderson
ALTON
January 18, 2008 5:32 PM
Earnese Branch Henderson, 92, died at 9:25 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, at Saint Anthony's Hospital in Alton.
She was born June 18, 1915, in Holly Grove, Ark., to Vennie See Woods Branch and Jimmy Branch, who are both deceased.
She married Arthur Henderson on Sept. 28, 1930.
The family moved to Alton in 1942 and she united with Campbell A.M.E. Church. She returned to West Helena, Ark. in 1955, where she remained for 45 years. She was quite active in her community, was a member of the NAACP, Graveyard Club, president of Holly Grove Homecoming Club-West Helena Chapter. She returned to Alton in October of 2000 and began her journey of restoring the old and establishing many new acquaintances.
Survivors include three sons, James E. Henderson Sr. of Springfield, Ill., Ernest (Gloria) Henderson of Indianapolis, E. Bert Henderson of Alton; three daughters, Betty (James) Holloway of Godfrey, Minister Joyce Y. Elliott, and Janice (William) Watson, both of Alton; stepchildren, Ruby Madison and William (Barbara) Thompson, both of Alton, Marilyn Glen of Alton; two brothers, Jasper (Siriena) Branch of Chicago, and the Rev. E. Lewis (LoeRessie) Branch of So. San Francisco, Calif.; son-in-law, Linwood Rayford Elliott; daughters-in-law, Warner Jean Henderson, Coena Henderson, and Elouise Henderson; 32 grandchildren; 70 great-grandchildren; and 22 great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband; three sons, Charles Melvin, Billie Wright and Arthur Douglas Henderson; a daughter, Dorothy Jean Henderson; two brothers, Leo and Junior Henderson; one grandchild; four great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; special friends, Velma Price, Gertie Charles; and special cousin, Nevader Simes.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Cathy M. Williams and Sons Funeral Home in Alton.
The Rev. Thomas Gipson, of West Helena, will conduct services at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Lead the Way Church in Alton.
Burial will be at Upper Alton Cemetery.
Tribute:
A TIME TO BE BORN: Mrs. Earnese Branch Henderson entered this world on June 18, 1915 in the little farming town of Holly Grove, Arkansas. She was the first of four children born to parents, Jimmy and Vennie See Woods Branch. Earnese, nurtured by her grandmother Jenny Love Woods, received her education in Holly Grove. She found a need for Christ in her life at an early age and united with the St. Paul A.M.E. Church where she began her faith journey singing in the choir and served as president of the Allen Christian Endeavours (A.C.E.) League.
A TIME TO LOVE: On September 28, 1930, Earnese was united in Holy Matrimony to Arthur Henderson of Humphrey, Arkansas. She immediately moved to Humphrey with her husband and united with Ridgel Chapel A.M.E. Church - where she continued her walk of faith, sang in the choir ans was soon elected as treasurer of the A.C.E. League. Their union was blessed with three sons and a daughter while living in Humphrey (Arthur, Billie, James, & Betty).
Work was limited in the south, and industry began to blossom in the north, so the family moved to Alton, IL in 1942. Earnese found a new church home with Campbell Chapel A.M.E. Church. There she met lifetime friends, Mrs. Juanita Banks and Mrs. Pearl Smith. She was blessed with four more children (Charles, Dorothy, Joyce, & Janice). In 1950, the family moved to Michigan City, Indiana where she gave birth to two more sons (Ernest and Ethilbert).
A TIME TO CAST AWAY STONES: Mrs. Henderson returned to Arkansas in 1954 to reside with her father and grandmother in Marvell. She moved to West Helena in 1955 and remained there for forty-five years. She was employed as a Domestic Worker and Cook for the Crabtree, Overton, and Branch Families. With the Lord as her shepherd, she united with Allen Temple A.M.E. Church with Rev. F. Booker as Pastor. She kept her hands on the Gospel Plow as a member of the #1 choir, Secretary of both the Rainbow Club and Stewardess Board #2 and President of Stewardess Board #1 adn was a church Trustee. She also served as President of the Missionary Society and Vice-President of the East Northeast Missionary Arkansas Conference. She received much recognition for her faithful and dedicated service to the Lord.
A TIME TO PLANT: Earnese was active in her church and community. She was a member of the NAACP-West Helena Branch, Oakgrove Graveyard Club, The Holly Grove Homecoming Club-(President of the West Helena Chapter for 17 years). She had a passion to become a writer and fulfilled it by keeping others well informed with well documented secretarial notes for the clubs and detailed letter writing to her family and friends. If she couldn't write it, she said it! However busy, she found time to accept on of life's greatest challenges - help raised grandchildren: WarnerNeice, Cathy, Edward and Warren Delon Henderson. Oh my, what a time to weep...........and.............Laugh!
A TIME TO EMBRACE: She loved to travel! Whenever the opportunity or need was there, she would board the Greyhound Bus enroute to graduations, birth of grandchildren, homegoing celebrations, or just to visit family and friends no matter how far the distance. Very kind and considerate, she never met a stranger. Her love for people was genuine and once she met anyone, they became a new chapter in her life story. Blessed with a memory that many desire to possess, she never forgot a birthday or other special occasions.
A TIME TO REND AND A TIME TO SEW: After much consideration, on October 29, 2000 she bid farewell to friends in West Helena, Arkansas and returned to Alton, Illinois with Joyce to be near her family. Reunited with old acquaintances and establishing new ones, she stayed in touch with all of her friends in West Helena and elsewhere. As a resident of Marion Heights she attended services at the Chapel on a regular basis until her health began to fail.
A TIME TO GET AND A TIME TO LOSE: One generation passeth away and another generation cometh. Earnese's longivity was indeed a blessing from the Lord as she gained wisdom throughout her lifetime. She was preceded in death by her 99 year old grandmother, Amanda Branch, her 83 year old mother, 86 year old father and 91 year old husband Arthur, two brothers, Leo and Junior Branch; three sons, Arthur, Billie, and Charles Henderson; grand daughter, Patrece Henderson, and four great grand-children; Jai and Cincere Holloway, Travis Watson, and NaShau Armstead, one great great grandchild, BreShau Versie.
A TIME TO REMEMBER: On Thursday, January 17, 2008 @ 9:25 a.m., Mother Earnese Henderson entered eternal rest. To cherish many blessed memories, she leaves; Sons: James Henderson, Sr. of Springfield, IL, Ernest (Gloria) Henderson of Indianapolis, IN, E. Bert Henderson, and William (Barbara) Thompson of Alton, IL and Daughters: Betty (James) Holloway of Godfrey, IL, Minister Joyce Y. Elliott, Janice (William) Watson, Marilyn Glen and Ruby Madison all of Alton. Special son-in-law, Linwood Elliott, daughters-in-law Warner Jean Henderson, Bonella Towns, Coena Henderson, Elouise Henderson. (2) Brothers, Mr. Jasper (Sirlena) Branch of Chicago, IL and Rev. E. Lewis (LoeRessie) Branch of So. San Francisco, CA. Thirty-three grandchildren, seventy great grandchildren and twenty-two great great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, her devoted homemaker, Patricia Brown adn lifelong friends... Mrs. Velma Price, Mrs. Gertie Charles, Charlotte Robinson, Sarah Foster, and Jessie Matthews.
OH WHAT A TIME: There are many stories yet to be told........ And if you knew Earnese well, ..... there is certainly one your heart beholds! ......................To God Be The Glory!
Obit:
Earnese Henderson
ALTON
January 18, 2008 5:32 PM
Earnese Branch Henderson, 92, died at 9:25 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, at Saint Anthony's Hospital in Alton.
She was born June 18, 1915, in Holly Grove, Ark., to Vennie See Woods Branch and Jimmy Branch, who are both deceased.
She married Arthur Henderson on Sept. 28, 1930.
The family moved to Alton in 1942 and she united with Campbell A.M.E. Church. She returned to West Helena, Ark. in 1955, where she remained for 45 years. She was quite active in her community, was a member of the NAACP, Graveyard Club, president of Holly Grove Homecoming Club-West Helena Chapter. She returned to Alton in October of 2000 and began her journey of restoring the old and establishing many new acquaintances.
Survivors include three sons, James E. Henderson Sr. of Springfield, Ill., Ernest (Gloria) Henderson of Indianapolis, E. Bert Henderson of Alton; three daughters, Betty (James) Holloway of Godfrey, Minister Joyce Y. Elliott, and Janice (William) Watson, both of Alton; stepchildren, Ruby Madison and William (Barbara) Thompson, both of Alton, Marilyn Glen of Alton; two brothers, Jasper (Siriena) Branch of Chicago, and the Rev. E. Lewis (LoeRessie) Branch of So. San Francisco, Calif.; son-in-law, Linwood Rayford Elliott; daughters-in-law, Warner Jean Henderson, Coena Henderson, and Elouise Henderson; 32 grandchildren; 70 great-grandchildren; and 22 great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband; three sons, Charles Melvin, Billie Wright and Arthur Douglas Henderson; a daughter, Dorothy Jean Henderson; two brothers, Leo and Junior Henderson; one grandchild; four great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; special friends, Velma Price, Gertie Charles; and special cousin, Nevader Simes.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Cathy M. Williams and Sons Funeral Home in Alton.
The Rev. Thomas Gipson, of West Helena, will conduct services at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Lead the Way Church in Alton.
Burial will be at Upper Alton Cemetery.
Tribute:
A TIME TO BE BORN: Mrs. Earnese Branch Henderson entered this world on June 18, 1915 in the little farming town of Holly Grove, Arkansas. She was the first of four children born to parents, Jimmy and Vennie See Woods Branch. Earnese, nurtured by her grandmother Jenny Love Woods, received her education in Holly Grove. She found a need for Christ in her life at an early age and united with the St. Paul A.M.E. Church where she began her faith journey singing in the choir and served as president of the Allen Christian Endeavours (A.C.E.) League.
A TIME TO LOVE: On September 28, 1930, Earnese was united in Holy Matrimony to Arthur Henderson of Humphrey, Arkansas. She immediately moved to Humphrey with her husband and united with Ridgel Chapel A.M.E. Church - where she continued her walk of faith, sang in the choir ans was soon elected as treasurer of the A.C.E. League. Their union was blessed with three sons and a daughter while living in Humphrey (Arthur, Billie, James, & Betty).
Work was limited in the south, and industry began to blossom in the north, so the family moved to Alton, IL in 1942. Earnese found a new church home with Campbell Chapel A.M.E. Church. There she met lifetime friends, Mrs. Juanita Banks and Mrs. Pearl Smith. She was blessed with four more children (Charles, Dorothy, Joyce, & Janice). In 1950, the family moved to Michigan City, Indiana where she gave birth to two more sons (Ernest and Ethilbert).
A TIME TO CAST AWAY STONES: Mrs. Henderson returned to Arkansas in 1954 to reside with her father and grandmother in Marvell. She moved to West Helena in 1955 and remained there for forty-five years. She was employed as a Domestic Worker and Cook for the Crabtree, Overton, and Branch Families. With the Lord as her shepherd, she united with Allen Temple A.M.E. Church with Rev. F. Booker as Pastor. She kept her hands on the Gospel Plow as a member of the #1 choir, Secretary of both the Rainbow Club and Stewardess Board #2 and President of Stewardess Board #1 adn was a church Trustee. She also served as President of the Missionary Society and Vice-President of the East Northeast Missionary Arkansas Conference. She received much recognition for her faithful and dedicated service to the Lord.
A TIME TO PLANT: Earnese was active in her church and community. She was a member of the NAACP-West Helena Branch, Oakgrove Graveyard Club, The Holly Grove Homecoming Club-(President of the West Helena Chapter for 17 years). She had a passion to become a writer and fulfilled it by keeping others well informed with well documented secretarial notes for the clubs and detailed letter writing to her family and friends. If she couldn't write it, she said it! However busy, she found time to accept on of life's greatest challenges - help raised grandchildren: WarnerNeice, Cathy, Edward and Warren Delon Henderson. Oh my, what a time to weep...........and.............Laugh!
A TIME TO EMBRACE: She loved to travel! Whenever the opportunity or need was there, she would board the Greyhound Bus enroute to graduations, birth of grandchildren, homegoing celebrations, or just to visit family and friends no matter how far the distance. Very kind and considerate, she never met a stranger. Her love for people was genuine and once she met anyone, they became a new chapter in her life story. Blessed with a memory that many desire to possess, she never forgot a birthday or other special occasions.
A TIME TO REND AND A TIME TO SEW: After much consideration, on October 29, 2000 she bid farewell to friends in West Helena, Arkansas and returned to Alton, Illinois with Joyce to be near her family. Reunited with old acquaintances and establishing new ones, she stayed in touch with all of her friends in West Helena and elsewhere. As a resident of Marion Heights she attended services at the Chapel on a regular basis until her health began to fail.
A TIME TO GET AND A TIME TO LOSE: One generation passeth away and another generation cometh. Earnese's longivity was indeed a blessing from the Lord as she gained wisdom throughout her lifetime. She was preceded in death by her 99 year old grandmother, Amanda Branch, her 83 year old mother, 86 year old father and 91 year old husband Arthur, two brothers, Leo and Junior Branch; three sons, Arthur, Billie, and Charles Henderson; grand daughter, Patrece Henderson, and four great grand-children; Jai and Cincere Holloway, Travis Watson, and NaShau Armstead, one great great grandchild, BreShau Versie.
A TIME TO REMEMBER: On Thursday, January 17, 2008 @ 9:25 a.m., Mother Earnese Henderson entered eternal rest. To cherish many blessed memories, she leaves; Sons: James Henderson, Sr. of Springfield, IL, Ernest (Gloria) Henderson of Indianapolis, IN, E. Bert Henderson, and William (Barbara) Thompson of Alton, IL and Daughters: Betty (James) Holloway of Godfrey, IL, Minister Joyce Y. Elliott, Janice (William) Watson, Marilyn Glen and Ruby Madison all of Alton. Special son-in-law, Linwood Elliott, daughters-in-law Warner Jean Henderson, Bonella Towns, Coena Henderson, Elouise Henderson. (2) Brothers, Mr. Jasper (Sirlena) Branch of Chicago, IL and Rev. E. Lewis (LoeRessie) Branch of So. San Francisco, CA. Thirty-three grandchildren, seventy great grandchildren and twenty-two great great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, her devoted homemaker, Patricia Brown adn lifelong friends... Mrs. Velma Price, Mrs. Gertie Charles, Charlotte Robinson, Sarah Foster, and Jessie Matthews.
OH WHAT A TIME: There are many stories yet to be told........ And if you knew Earnese well, ..... there is certainly one your heart beholds! ......................To God Be The Glory!
Earnese Henderson
ALTON
January 18, 2008 5:32 PM
Earnese Branch Henderson, 92, died at 9:25 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, at Saint Anthony's Hospital in Alton.
She was born June 18, 1915, in Holly Grove, Ark., to Vennie See Woods Branch and Jimmy Branch, who are both deceased.
She married Arthur Henderson on Sept. 28, 1930.
The family moved to Alton in 1942 and she united with Campbell A.M.E. Church. She returned to West Helena, Ark. in 1955, where she remained for 45 years. She was quite active in her community, was a member of the NAACP, Graveyard Club, president of Holly Grove Homecoming Club-West Helena Chapter. She returned to Alton in October of 2000 and began her journey of restoring the old and establishing many new acquaintances.
Survivors include three sons, James E. Henderson Sr. of Springfield, Ill., Ernest (Gloria) Henderson of Indianapolis, E. Bert Henderson of Alton; three daughters, Betty (James) Holloway of Godfrey, Minister Joyce Y. Elliott, and Janice (William) Watson, both of Alton; stepchildren, Ruby Madison and William (Barbara) Thompson, both of Alton, Marilyn Glen of Alton; two brothers, Jasper (Siriena) Branch of Chicago, and the Rev. E. Lewis (LoeRessie) Branch of So. San Francisco, Calif.; son-in-law, Linwood Rayford Elliott; daughters-in-law, Warner Jean Henderson, Coena Henderson, and Elouise Henderson; 32 grandchildren; 70 great-grandchildren; and 22 great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband; three sons, Charles Melvin, Billie Wright and Arthur Douglas Henderson; a daughter, Dorothy Jean Henderson; two brothers, Leo and Junior Henderson; one grandchild; four great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; special friends, Velma Price, Gertie Charles; and special cousin, Nevader Simes.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Cathy M. Williams and Sons Funeral Home in Alton.
The Rev. Thomas Gipson, of West Helena, will conduct services at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Lead the Way Church in Alton.
Burial will be at Upper Alton Cemetery.
Tribute:
A TIME TO BE BORN: Mrs. Earnese Branch Henderson entered this world on June 18, 1915 in the little farming town of Holly Grove, Arkansas. She was the first of four children born to parents, Jimmy and Vennie See Woods Branch. Earnese, nurtured by her grandmother Jenny Love Woods, received her education in Holly Grove. She found a need for Christ in her life at an early age and united with the St. Paul A.M.E. Church where she began her faith journey singing in the choir and served as president of the Allen Christian Endeavours (A.C.E.) League.
A TIME TO LOVE: On September 28, 1930, Earnese was united in Holy Matrimony to Arthur Henderson of Humphrey, Arkansas. She immediately moved to Humphrey with her husband and united with Ridgel Chapel A.M.E. Church - where she continued her walk of faith, sang in the choir ans was soon elected as treasurer of the A.C.E. League. Their union was blessed with three sons and a daughter while living in Humphrey (Arthur, Billie, James, & Betty).
Work was limited in the south, and industry began to blossom in the north, so the family moved to Alton, IL in 1942. Earnese found a new church home with Campbell Chapel A.M.E. Church. There she met lifetime friends, Mrs. Juanita Banks and Mrs. Pearl Smith. She was blessed with four more children (Charles, Dorothy, Joyce, & Janice). In 1950, the family moved to Michigan City, Indiana where she gave birth to two more sons (Ernest and Ethilbert).
A TIME TO CAST AWAY STONES: Mrs. Henderson returned to Arkansas in 1954 to reside with her father and grandmother in Marvell. She moved to West Helena in 1955 and remained there for forty-five years. She was employed as a Domestic Worker and Cook for the Crabtree, Overton, and Branch Families. With the Lord as her shepherd, she united with Allen Temple A.M.E. Church with Rev. F. Booker as Pastor. She kept her hands on the Gospel Plow as a member of the #1 choir, Secretary of both the Rainbow Club and Stewardess Board #2 and President of Stewardess Board #1 adn was a church Trustee. She also served as President of the Missionary Society and Vice-President of the East Northeast Missionary Arkansas Conference. She received much recognition for her faithful and dedicated service to the Lord.
A TIME TO PLANT: Earnese was active in her church and community. She was a member of the NAACP-West Helena Branch, Oakgrove Graveyard Club, The Holly Grove Homecoming Club-(President of the West Helena Chapter for 17 years). She had a passion to become a writer and fulfilled it by keeping others well informed with well documented secretarial notes for the clubs and detailed letter writing to her family and friends. If she couldn't write it, she said it! However busy, she found time to accept on of life's greatest challenges - help raised grandchildren: WarnerNeice, Cathy, Edward and Warren Delon Henderson. Oh my, what a time to weep...........and.............Laugh!
A TIME TO EMBRACE: She loved to travel! Whenever the opportunity or need was there, she would board the Greyhound Bus enroute to graduations, birth of grandchildren, homegoing celebrations, or just to visit family and friends no matter how far the distance. Very kind and considerate, she never met a stranger. Her love for people was genuine and once she met anyone, they became a new chapter in her life story. Blessed with a memory that many desire to possess, she never forgot a birthday or other special occasions.
A TIME TO REND AND A TIME TO SEW: After much consideration, on October 29, 2000 she bid farewell to friends in West Helena, Arkansas and returned to Alton, Illinois with Joyce to be near her family. Reunited with old acquaintances and establishing new ones, she stayed in touch with all of her friends in West Helena and elsewhere. As a resident of Marion Heights she attended services at the Chapel on a regular basis until her health began to fail.
A TIME TO GET AND A TIME TO LOSE: One generation passeth away and another generation cometh. Earnese's longivity was indeed a blessing from the Lord as she gained wisdom throughout her lifetime. She was preceded in death by her 99 year old grandmother, Amanda Branch, her 83 year old mother, 86 year old father and 91 year old husband Arthur, two brothers, Leo and Junior Branch; three sons, Arthur, Billie, and Charles Henderson; grand daughter, Patrece Henderson, and four great grand-children; Jai and Cincere Holloway, Travis Watson, and NaShau Armstead, one great great grandchild, BreShau Versie.
A TIME TO REMEMBER: On Thursday, January 17, 2008 @ 9:25 a.m., Mother Earnese Henderson entered eternal rest. To cherish many blessed memories, she leaves; Sons: James Henderson, Sr. of Springfield, IL, Ernest (Gloria) Henderson of Indianapolis, IN, E. Bert Henderson, and William (Barbara) Thompson of Alton, IL and Daughters: Betty (James) Holloway of Godfrey, IL, Minister Joyce Y. Elliott, Janice (William) Watson, Marilyn Glen and Ruby Madison all of Alton. Special son-in-law, Linwood Elliott, daughters-in-law Warner Jean Henderson, Bonella Towns, Coena Henderson, Elouise Henderson. (2) Brothers, Mr. Jasper (Sirlena) Branch of Chicago, IL and Rev. E. Lewis (LoeRessie) Branch of So. San Francisco, CA. Thirty-three grandchildren, seventy great grandchildren and twenty-two great great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, her devoted homemaker, Patricia Brown adn lifelong friends... Mrs. Velma Price, Mrs. Gertie Charles, Charlotte Robinson, Sarah Foster, and Jessie Matthews.
OH WHAT A TIME: There are many stories yet to be told........ And if you knew Earnese well, ..... there is certainly one your heart beholds! ......................To God Be The Glory!
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