Thelma L. (Howard) Henderson

Thelma L. Howard Henderson was born January 1, 1928, in Tifton, Georgia. Her parents were Ben and Laura Howard. Thelma was the second child of five children, Thee Juana, Susie, Lelia and her only brother, J.W., who all preceded her in death. She went home to be with the Lord on June 11, 2025.

Thelma was baptized at Mallalieu Methodist Church in Fort City, Arkansas at a very young age. She attended Lincoln School graduating in 1946. After her father passed in 1939, she and her oldest sister, Thee Juana, moved to Yazoo City, Mississippi with their father's brother and his wife to help through difficult financial times.

There in Yazoo City, she met Booker T. Henderson, whom she married in secret on February 13, 1945. Booker was in the United States Navy and wanted to marry before she finished school. He had to promise her mother that she could return to Fort Smith to complete school. The marriage was a secret because even then, you could not be married and a high schooler. However, the secret leaked, and her diploma read Thelma Howard Henderson.

They were married 74 beautiful years until Booker was called home to be with the Lord on March 6, 2019. To this union six children were born: Bernard (Jerelyn) Henderson of Jackson, MS., Brenda Henderson of Gary, IN., Booker T. (Darlene) Henderson, Jr. of Schererville, IN., Reginald Henderson of Manassas, VA., Anna (Timothy) Theus of Dyer, IN., Howard Henderson of Covington, GA. In addition to her children, she leaves to mourn her passing: twelve  grandchildren, Toni Henderson of Los Angeles, CA., Brian (Tanya) of Jackson, Sean Henderson of Gary, IN., DarNieshia (Terrence) Morris of Valparaiso, IN., Binika of Merrillville, IN., Jamarr Booker T. of Arlington, VA, Jasmine of Merrillville, IN, Rachel, Rochelle and Rashad of Manassas, VA, Theresa (Christopher ) Mann of Merrillville, IN., and Timothy Theus II, of Chicago, IL.; eight great-grandchildren, Olivia, and Daniel Peyton of Jackson, MS., Dariyan, Tyse, and Tyres of Valparaiso, IN. Caiden and Chloe of Merrillville, IN; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Thelma was very active in her children's schooling at St. Monica Catholic School; from volunteer work, to being on the payroll. After several years at St. Monica, she worked for several years at Pulaski Middle School. During this time, she was also able to take classes at Purdue University. She later worked for the City of Gary under Mayor Richard Hatcher as an Urban Conservation Officer (Beautification Officer) for many years until her retirement. She was also part of a distinguished group of Methodist Hospital volunteers with over 1,000 hours.

Thelma was an avid photographer, seamstress and quilter among other arts and crafts. She was the family photo-historian, taking and developing album upon album of pictures from many family events over the decades. Her passion for sewing led her to quilting, where she was a member of the Fantastic Quilting Group. Many family members and friends have had the pleasure of receiving one of Thelma's quilts.

Thelma was always active in her family, church and community. Early in her community she was heavily involved with the East Side Little League. She was also very supportive and passionate of the local politicians in her neighborhood and throughout the city of Gary. She was a devoted member of her church, serving on several committees;  an original member of the St. Monica Church Parish Council, Altar Guild, and Bereavement Committee. She was a faithful member of Clara Ann Martin Chapter 39 Ladies of Grace, where she held 4th Degree office of Controller in 1994, Faithful Navigator 1998-2001, also, Chairperson of the Historian Committee for many years and held office of Financial Secretary several times.

A special thanks to the SS Monica-Luke Church family for always caring with love.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. with Funeral Service 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. from SS. Monica & Luke Catholic Church 645 Rhode Island Street Gary, Indiana 46402. Interment Evergreen Memorial Park 3815 West 39th Ave. Hobart, Indiana 46342.

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