Marie Catherine Henderson

Marie Catherine Henderson , mother, grandmother, community activist, political consultant, events planner and all around Phenomenal Woman answered the clarion call on Sunday, June 1, 2003. Marie's long and gallant fight against Breast Cancer inspired her family, friends and all who knew her. She never lost hope, she never gave up and in fact determined that the disease would not dictate her life but instead she would live, live, live until she died. Marie Catherine Henderson was born the youngest of four children in Baltimore City to James Harrison Wilson and Marguerite Wilson Campbell. Marie was christened at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church where she received her Christian education. She received her education in the Baltimore City Public Schools, later graduating from Douglass High School in Baltimore City. Marie attended Howard University in Washington, D.C. Marie left Howard University early to seek employment with the Social Security Administration where she remained for many years. Marie met and married Edward Henderson in 1964 and together they raised two sons, Michael and Edward, Jr. This union later ended in divorce. Marie after leaving the Social Security Administration worked for the Office of Manpower Resources. She remained at the Mayor's Office of Manpower Resources for several years. Marie became involved in political life of Baltimore City early and worked in several campaigns. She worked in the campaign of then City Council President, William Donald Schaefer who later became mayor. She also served as a campaign manager for Clarence "Du" Burns in his bid for mayor. Marie did not limit her service to city government and in fact served as Special Projects Coordinator under two county executives, Theodore Venetoulis and Donald Hutchinson. One who had always been known as a "risk taker", Marie founded an Events Planning and Consulting Business in 1987, Marie Henderson Enterprises. Marie was one of the most successful female African American entrepreneurs in the state of Maryland. Known throughout the state as one who delivered a "class act", many clamored for the services. of Marie Henderson. Her business boomed and Marie Henderson had indeed found her niche. Marie, ever mindful that, "to whom much is given, much is expected” gave every day of her life. Her volunteer services were many. She served on the board of the Police Athletic League, the board of Druid Hill YMCA, sponsored the first Unity Ball for the Baltimore City branch of the NAACP, the Baltimore City School for the Arts, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, chairperson for the Maryland Commission on Correctional Standards, chairperson for the Baltimore County African American Festival are but few of her many and varied services in Baltimore city and county.Marie's community service did not go unnoticed and she was the recipient of many awards and citations. Marie Catherine Henderson who lived the dash to its fullest. Her life was one of meaning and giving her all. A woman full of grace, a woman of class; she had a touch of "elan" A risk taker, she constantly reminded her family and friends, "God has been good to me" Family, friends and indeed the citizens of this great state have lost a "Phenomenal Woman. She leaves to celebrate her life, two sons, Michael and Edward Henderson, Jr, a sister, Shirley Jewett, one brother, James Wilson, one brother-in-law, Avon Jewett, one aunt, Florine Goodman, a devoted friend, companion and caretaker, Dennis Atkinson, several grandchildren and cousins, and a host of other relatives and friends.Memorial contributions may be made in Marie C. Henderson's name to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

Tributes

Marie Catherine Henderson

January 27, 1941 - June 1, 2003