Mrs. Jean Henderson

Jean Esther Norwood Henderson, 84, answered her Master’s call peacefully at home on September 6, 2024, just after three in the morning. She was the fourth child born to Roger Norwood Sr. and Anna (Jackson Norwood) Johnson on October 6, 1939, in Kansas City, Kansas. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings Barbara (Jim) Smith, Roger (Janice) Norwood, Julian Riding, Frances (Charles) Holmes, Calvin Norwood, and Nathalia Jackson. Journey of Preparation She was educated in the Kansas City, KS school system attending Dunbar, Northeast Jr. High, and she graduated 6th in her class from Sumner High School, class of 1957. In 1969, she received her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from UMKC. She earned her Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction in 1983 from Emporia State University. Additionally, she earned a certification in Administration in 1983 and an Endorsement in English as a Second Language in 2002 from Kansas State University. Jean continued to educate herself even up until her health began to fail. She completed her coursework and was working to complete her dissertation for her Ph.D at Kansas State University. The “Loves of Her Life” Jean met Lloyd L. Henderson Jr. in her high school class. After being set up on a date by her younger brother, she began to fall in love. She married Lloyd on December 27th, 1958. Five children were born to this union. Victoria Kaye and Victor Ray, her twins, preceded her in death. Professional Life Jean loved being an educator. In 1959 she began her career as a preschool teacher in Washington D.C. She later became a Childcare Center Director in 29 Palms, CA. She began teaching in 1969. She spent most of her career in the USD 500 school district. She taught at Hawthorn, John Fiske, and Hazel Grove Elementary Schools. In August 1987, she became a building administrator for Grant Elementary and Parker Elementary. She retired in 2004 as principal of M.E. Pearson Elementary. Accomplishments and Awards She designed and implemented many programs in her schools including CHAMPS (Children Helping To Achieve A More Positive School) and Project TOUGH (Teaching Ourselves to Understand and Use Good Habits). She served on the USD 500 Superintendent’s advisory board and as a mentor to several beginning teachers and principals. She is a recipient of Unsung Heroes Award, Northeast Kansas Business Association Award, and was recognized by the National Teachers Hall of Fame as an Exemplary Teacher. Church Life Jean was inspired by her grandmother, Mother Cora Mae Manney (Granny) with whom she frequently attended church. Jean grew up at Thompson Tabernacle COGIC and accepted the Lord as her Savior at an early age. She learned how to play the piano and played for many Baptist churches around the city. In the 1960s she joined and served as pianist for Madden Temple COGIC. She served under Supt. Moses Cofield, Bishop Harvey T. Young, and Asst. Supt. Lee A.Spight. She often coordinated “The Men and Women's Day” services. She created enthusiasm by sponsoring the Annual Birthday Rally. Her most acclaimed service was as Jurisdictional President “Big Sister Sunshine”, of the Sunshine Band, the Child Evangelism Department of the Kansas East Church Of God In Christ, for more than 40 years. She composed several songs and wrote many scripts to showcase the children’s gifts. Under her leadership this group produced three live recordings and was nominated for a Stellar Award. With a life of love and wisdom to share, she was appointed as one of the Church mothers of Madden Temple. Jean was deeply passionate and fiercely loyal to those she loved. Her educational work and ministry impact will not be diminished. The seeds of her labor will bear fruit for generations to come. She left a sound and an incredibly powerful legacy on the earth. Legacy She leaves the following to cherish her memory: Lloyd, her loving and devoted husband of 65 years, sons Steven Lloyd (Gina) and Todd Christopher (Monyca), daughter Cecily Patrice (Troy), Daughter-In-Law, Kristina Henderson, 10 Grandchildren, DeErika (Walter), Nicholas, Stephanie (Robin), Sydnee, Amber, Jasmine (Carson), Dominique, Jaida, Christian, and Brieya, 10 Great-Grands, Brooklyn, Lauren, Layla, Camden, Aliyah, Victoria, Gabriella, Kensley, Angeline, and Carley. Sisters, Charlotte (Larry) Fennell, Crecia (Don) Andrews, Sisters-In-Law, Erma Riding, Asunción Norwood, June Henderson and Marsha Henderson Dhahabu and Brother-In-Law, Vernon Jackson. Jean was cherished by her adopted son and daughter, Kim and Carolyn Burnett and family, Godchildren, and a host of nephews, nieces, and cousins. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024, 11:00am at Mount Carmel COGIC. Interment Leavenworth National Cemetery, LNVKS. Visitation from 9:00am-11:00am at the church. Services conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel Kansas. Condolences may be shared on our website.

Mrs. Jean Henderson

October 6, 1939 - September 6, 2024