Verdell Marie Henderson was born on September 14, 1946 to Rether and Margue-
rite as the middle girl. She was given a Christian upbringing as a young girl and
grew into a strong God-fearing woman. She was one of three children, Larry Sr.
(who preceded us) Marie and Rether. As the only girl with two brothers, she was
the glue that held them together. They grew up on the westside and attended Chi-
cago Public Schools. Marie graduated from Farragut in 1965, she also attended
Northwestern, Malcom X and Chicago State, she was truly a product of Chicago.
She held other jobs but once she found her career which became her calling as a
teacher. She first began as a substitute teacher on call every morning to fill in for
someone. When she retired, she held a master’s degree, a passion for teaching and
had embarked on a career that left a mark on all that she touched. The first school
I remember her teaching at was Calhoun before eventually settling at Crane High
School. The impact she left on the countless students’ lives she touched can be seen
by those here with us. As an only child, she gave me several brothers and sisters
that way and all were loved equally as her own.
Marie grew up in the Church and studied the Bible regularly, she was a member of
Greater Mount Pleasant and Bill Winston Ministries, she would study her Bible dai-
ly. Her faith allowed her to not have fear in facing the uncertainty that was ahead
of her. Her faith gave her clarity and a sense of purpose. Her faith allowed the tran-
sition to be done her way and of her choosing.
To know Marie is to know she was passionate as a Virgo and would vigorously ar-
gue her point of view but would also listen to other points of view. Marie was pas-
sionate about her political views, she was also very passionate about helping others,
she was passionate about education. She would trust that her legacy would live on
thru each of you by giving back. She asked that her life be celebrated and for all of
us to give of ourselves to others.
My ma truly enjoyed traveling, as a child Marie exposed me to the world at an early
age: Africa, the Caribbean, Canada, countless states, and she had a passion for
traveling. She would travel by herself and was confident enough to meet people
that would become close dear friends in places near and far. Her next big trip was
to Phoenix Arizona, she loved the mountains, the weather and the friendly people,
Jeremiah 30:17 “But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,
declares the LORD…”
Musical Prelude ............................................................................ Musician
Processional ..................................................................... Family & Minister
Scripture ....................................................................................... Minister
Prayer .......................................................................................... Minister
Selection ...................................................................................... Musician
Acknowledgements and Resolutions .............................................................
Remarks ................................................................................ 2 min. please
Obituary ................................................................................ Read Silently
Selection ...................................................................................... Musician
Eulogy .......................................................................................... Minister
Benediction ................................................................................... Minister
Recessional ...................................................................... Family & Minister
Wednesday, May 26, 2021
Service: 12:00 p.m.
Smith and Thomas Funeral Home
5708 West Madison Street
Chicago, Illinois 60644
Ma,
No longer will we talk, laugh, or travel together, you gave me an
understanding that the world is bigger than what you see in Chicago, you
taught me that you can achieve all that you set your mind to.
I will miss the way you helped me see the solution to any problem by
making me show my work, so I could learn from my mistakes and not repeat
them. You helped me become a well-rounded man, I love you Ma and I’ll
see you in Phoenix…Holla!!
each time she visited she would say I want to live here. She got her wings, and the
next chapter will allow her to soar like a Phoenix.
She is survived by her son William Henderson, two grandchildren Gabrielle and Wil-
liam Henderson, she also has three great grandchildren, Mason, CJ and Rochya (lil
Marie as she called her). Ma was always surrounded by her friends and family and a
very special sister-in-law Dorothy.