John Sylvester Henderson

Celebration of Life John Sylvester “Johnny” Henderson was born on January 19, 1927 to the late George and Violet Marshall Henderson in Montclair, NJ. He departed his earthly home on March 21, 2014 at the Hunter Holmes McGuire Hospital in Richmond, VA. John was a cradle Catholic. During his formative years he was a very active in the religious activities of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Orange, NJ. He was educated in the Public School System in Montclair, NJ. In 1944, John enlisted in the United States Navy, and was assigned to attend The Sampson Naval Training School for cooks, where he received premier culinary skills. A culinary skill he never forgot and continued for a lifetime. John’s acting talent also surfaced during the time he was in the Navy. While in the Navy, he met and served on the same ship as the famous actor Harry Belafonte, a friendship he often remembered and spoke highly of. Because of his acting abilities, John won a ribbon from the American Theater Company. John was always a person that gave his all in any job he confronted, as a result of his dedication; he received the Victory Medal for Outstanding Service in the Navy. After he served his country he decided to continue his education by entering an Adult Education Program and received his General Education Development Certificate (G.E.D.) On October 29, 1954, John married the love of his life, Ann G. Boxley, and to this union five girls were born. John and Ann lived in Orange, NJ for many years where they enjoyed the growth and development of their children. In 1985 john and Ann moved to Richmond, VA. And they became members of Holy Rosary Catholic Church under the pastor ship of Rev. Father James Parke. John loved Holy Rosary and talked freely about the “Real Presence” of His Lord and Savior, Jesus, in the Eucharist. Although, honorably discharged from the Navy, John continued cooking and creating delicious dishes for his family and friends. John loved preparing delectable, just to name a few, assorted comfort foods; peach and pistachio ice cream for his family to enjoy. John loved to bowl and served as manager of the Unique Stepping Drill Team in Orange, NJ. John was also a gifted artist; he could look at anything and recreate it on canvas. John was blessed with a great sense of humor. John was a dedicated and hard worker, employed by Jacobson Sport Shop, The Bendix Corporation, and Berkeley Chemicals all in New Jersey. John retired from the Henrico County School System, where he was a proficient Maintenance Technician for Highland Springs High School. He was preceded in death by his parents, Violet and George Henderson; seven brothers, nine sisters, son-in-law, Dwayne Jordan. He leaves to cherish his memory a loving and devoted wife Ann (59) years, five (5) daughters; Beverly (Gregory) Bennett, Richmond, VA., Lisa (Marc) Young, Rochester, NY;Terri Jordan, Susan Johnson, and Dana Chase,Richmond,Va. Eleven (11) grandchildren;Gregory,Emanuel,Adrian,Archie,Bradd,Dwayne,Cory,Matthew,Jessica,Robert,Jr. and Jarrett; eleven (11) great-grandchildren; one sister, Violet Turner, and a host of nephews, nieces and other relatives and friends.

Tributes

John Sylvester Henderson

January 19, 1927 - March 21, 2014