Odessa S. Henderson

Odessa S. Henderson was born on August 24, 1946 in Wilmington, North Carolina to Odell and L. Virginia Stackhouse. During her youth, she attended and was baptized at Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church in Wilmington, N.C. She was a proud member of the Williston High School Class of 1965. Soon thereafter, she moved to the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area and went on to further her education to earn a degree in Business from the University of the District of Columbia. She later married and was blessed with a beautiful Daughter Robin, whom she managed to raise on her own into a beautiful, dynamic, phenomenal, Woman. In 1966, she began her career at the National Institute of Health and worked for the National Cancer Institute for 46 years. During that time as a Contract Specialist, she enjoyed her work negotiating contracts of hundreds of clinical trials for cancer research. Over the years, Odessa had been active in the NIH Chapter of Blacks in Government. She served as Financial Secretary as well as member of the Fundraising Committee. She also volunteered her time with the Montgomery County District 19 Democratic Club, an organization that she lovingly supported. With no questions asked, she was always available to lend a hand a friend or organization in need. Odessa was the biggest Washington Redskins fan and loved supporting her "HOGS," win or lose. She could often be heard and seen ribbing on ANY Dallas Cowboys fan she came in contact with. She thoroughly enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, drinking coffee and watching her favorite television shows: Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, American Idol and almost any one of the Judge/Court TV shows one can think of. She could be seen tapping her foot to music from Prince, Rod Stewart, Elton John, Michael Jackson, or Whitney Houston. Odessa enjoyed her almost daily coffee talk conversations and texts with her Sisters, chatting it up about the latest and greatest in each other's lives. Though all these things mattered to her greatly, she was most proud of her daughter Robin, son-in-law Ralph and their family. She supported Robin throughout her life, helping her with papers for school, or picking up last minute items any loving Mother would do. She loved her immensely. Her grandchildren, Capri, Courtney, and Camille, were the highlight of her life. "Nana," as she was affectionately known, could often be heard doting on them to anyone who cared to listen. After her retirement, she often was seen running up and down the road going to school events, sports practices or even taking them to her favorite store, Dollar Tree. She will be deeply missed. She is survived by her daughter Robin Henderson-Glover (Ralph), granddaughters Capri, Courtney and Camille, her mother L. Virginia Stackhouse, her sisters Mamie Wright, Loretta Stackhouse and Karen Stackhouse, her niece Shawena Turner (Alfred) and her grandniece, Nia. She was preceded in death by her father, Odell Stackhouse, and her brother, Percy Stackhouse. Cherished friends of hers, Vivian Brown, Clara Smith, Shirl Brinson, Dianne Gray and Almeta Prather (R.I.P.) along with other relatives and friends will truly miss her.

Tributes

Odessa S. Henderson

August 24, 1946 - March 14, 2017