Mrs. Mary Frances Henderson

April 7, 1934 - July 31, 2016

Mary Frances, the second eldest of nine children, was born April 7, 1934 in Lincoln County Tennessee to the late John Willie Jones and the late Mary Eugenia Thomison Jones. She fell asleep in death on July 31, 2016 surrounded by those who loved her. She was preceded in death by five siblings: Thomas Lee Jones, James Arthur “Big Tom” Jones, Willie “Billy Boy” Jones, Russell Jones and Ruby T. Rippy. Mary Frances, affectionately known by her family as “Parkie” or “Sister”, received her education in Lincoln County Schools. On June 8, 1952 Mary Frances was married to the late Odell “Pappy” Henderson. To this union of “Parkie” & “Pappy”, eight children were born. Mary Frances loved her family dearly. Her children were the joy of her life. She was a hard worker inside and outside the home. Mary Frances had many talents. She was an excellent cook. She had too many favorite dishes to be named here. She loved music and loved to dance. She was often seen smiling and laughing and talking to people. Mary Frances was very generous and enjoyed helping people. Mary Frances had a love for God at an early age and continued developing that love and faith through an in depth study of the Bible. On October 16, 1996 she was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and spent much of her time reading and studying the Bible and doing volunteer work talking to others about Jehovah God and sharing the hope from the Bible. She also enjoyed attending Christian meetings at the Kingdom Hall where she could both build and share her faith. She participated in spiritual activities as often as she could. Mary Frances leaves to cherish her memory eight loving and devoted children: William Lee Henderson, Ruth Helen Henderson, Diane (Tillman) Simmons, Sarah Frances Henderson, all of Tullahoma, TN; Marilyn (Davis) Wells, of Huntsville, AL ; Bobby Dean Henderson of Shelbyville, TN; Peggy Jean (Stevie) Garrett of Nashville, TN and Glenn Marvin (Victoria) Henderson of Murfreesboro, TN; five grandchildren: Michaelina LaTrice (Trae) Wiley, Tarra Monique Simmons, Carlotta Dionne Simmons, Cedric Odell Henderson, and Matt (Millie) Henderson; five great-grandchildren: Zamahria Diane Simmons, Jazlyn Sarayna Henderson, Jermaria Lee Manning, Drake Matthew Henderson and Juel Roman Henderson; three step grandchildren: Misty Brown, TaKisha Miles, and Monique Smith; six step great-grandchildren: Javin Batey, Ariana Jones, Fayadeen Miles, Natalya Williams, Khalia Brown, and Sheldon Henry; two sisters: Lucy Christmon and Laura Marsh; one brother: Wilbert Jones; one sister-in-law: Lillie Vern Henderson, two brothers-in law: Mack Rippy and Elzie “Bus” Eady; special friends: Pearlee Mayes, Betty Sue Alexander, Nita Jewell Wells, the Seagroves family (Roland, Sharon, & Garth), Jeanne Waite, Cheryl Patton, Alice Marler & Family, Thairl & Sheron Taylor, Dale & Liz Muir, and Hazel & Oliver Danzy; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and dear friends including a huge spiritual family of Jehovah’s Witnesses who loved her dearly.