Josephine Henderson

JOSEPHINE HENDERSON, daughter of the late Pearl and Clarence Griffin, was born on October 31,1932. A woman of great strength and faith won a victorious battle on October 24, 2013 when she transitioned into eternal rest after an acute illness at Northwest Hospital in Baltimore, MD. Josephine, affectionately known as “Josie or Jo” was educated in the District of Columbia, and Fairfax County Public School Systems. She was married to the late Andrew William Henderson, and resided in Northwest Washington, D.C., where they began rearing their four daughters Shirley (now deceased), Jeanette, Sheila and Eraina. As a young woman, Josephine was baptized, and accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior. Thus began her lifelong goal of working out her soul salvation under the leadership of Bishop Smallwood E. Williams at the Bibleway Church Worldwide Ministries. During that time, she was active on different auxiliaries, and faithfully served as a member of the True Blue Club and the Smallwood E. Williams Chorale. Josephine was known for faithfully testifying and singing “He's Sweet I Know” and the “Beautiful Garden of Prayer” whenever the opportunity existed. She later moved her membership to the National Church of God under the leadership of Dr. T. L. Lowery and Dr. Stephen Lowery, who presided today. She faithfully served this ministry as an intercessory prayer warrior and would often open up her home to church members as well as strangers who were in distress, exchange students and saints who were visiting from out of town. She felt that it was important to an individual's physical needs prior to their spiritual needs. For that reason, her home served as a refuge for those seeking shelter, meals, clothing, and warmth. She was a great woman of faith emphasizing to her children that God was a problem solver, advising the family to consult God first and pray about every situation. She would often take her daughters by the hand and lead them in prayer. Josephine was an active member of the “Women in Prayer” group that met weekly. Josephine would uphold individuals in prayer for years and trust God for their deliverance. Because of her strong faith in God and consistent prayer life, individuals after many years would be set free and their lives were transformed. She instilled in her children that “Only What You do for Christ Will Last.” Josie worked as a Nanny for a French family for years and would later begin working as a day care teacher at a nursery school. She then discovered her true passion was working with children. This discovery steered Jo to venture out in faith to start her own family operated day care center. She then moved to Southwest Washington, D.C. And began to care for neighborhood children. Josephine quickly earned a reputation of excellence because of the care that she provided in a clean, safe, and nurturing environment. The business expanded and grew rapidly, necessitating the need for increased space. Shortly thereafter, she would purchase a home in Prince George's County to accommodate the families who came from far and near. She operated this business for years and would often provide care to two generations of families. She was a strict disciplinarian and had a git of maintaining order, but the kids recognized the genuine concern and love that she displayed. This was instrumental in shaping and molding the lives of the youngsters for which she cared. As a result of the successful operation of this business, her daughters were able to learn many invaluable lessons to aid in life preparation, transferable skills, and a good work ethic. Josephine was the matriarch of the family utilizing God's wisdom to keep the family together. She was hard working and a thrifty spender always exercising sound judgment when handling the family's financial affairs. She was outspoken, highly opinionated and did not fear letting one know what she was thinking. She truly loved each and every family member, especially her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Her oldest grandson fondly remembers the “banana splits” that she often got from Dairy Queen Land. She often rescued the family in crisis situations and became an extended parent caring for children of family members, as well as caring for children of non-relatives to prevent foster home placement. She loved to cook and served hearty meals, and can best be remembered for her whipped sweet potatoes and banana pudding. She liked to dress classy and sophisticated . She liked fancy restaurants, where she could order fancy meals and fancy desserts. She liked to travel and shop at outlet malls in different states. A great lover of nature and animals, Jo often adopted dogs from animal shelters. The dogs were often unruly and untrained. Jo is remembered for chasing the dogs throughout the home and often and often witnessing the dogs sabotaging the living space as well as eating the prepared meal. Tending to her flower bed and gardening was an enjoyable activity for her. She took pride in her beautiful plants throughout the home, as well as the flower bed. Also, a great lover of cultural arts, she liked to attend concerts, plays and performances. Josephine's girls were allowed to liberally study piano, voice and dance. Josephine loved music, especially classical, sacred, gospel and easy listening. Josephine's nieces fondly remember her during the early years as a generous aunt with a great sense of humor, full of fun, deep laughter and loved to be around people who were also happy and full of fun. Jo lived with her daughter Sheila for the past four years after suffering a hip fracture. Although other complications developed as a result of the fracture, Sheila faithfully cared and advocated for Josephine regardless of the setting; be it home, hospital or skilled nursing facility. Although her health began to decline, Jo was encouraging and strong, welcoming each day with a smile and offering praise and thanksgiving to God. While hospitalized at Maryland General Hospital, Jo prayed for the patient in the next bed as she pulled the call cord for help. Also, while a patient at Future Care she comforted and patted the Geriatric Nursing Assistant on the back and prayed for her despite being in distress as well. Jo leaves to rejoice: three daughters, Jeanette Henderson, Sheila Miller and Eraina Lindsey; three sons-in-law, James Edwards, Clarence Miller and Ronald Lindsey; seven grandchildren, David Werts, Maria Werts, Christopher Miller, Monique Miller, Madison Lindsey, Tyler Lindsey and Taylor Lindsey; four great-grandchildren; her sister, Dorothy Holland; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and saints.

Tributes

Josephine Henderson

October 21, 1923 - October 24, 2013