Mavis Irene Henderson

Mavis Irene Henderson, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2024 at her home. Born on December 24, 1945 in Reagan, Texas, Mavis was the proud daughter of Milton Cornelius Newton and Lillie Faye Alexander Newton. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories. Mavis was introduced to Christ at an early age and attended Mt. Bethel Baptist Church in Big Springs, Texas. She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Marlin, Texas, where she was an outstanding basketball player. This competitive spirit would stay with her throughout her lifetime. In adulthood, she would corral her family for a good game of volleyball. She will forever be known as a leader, a driving force to those around her, and a winner in any capacity she served.

After graduating, Mavis spent a decade in Dallas, Texas, with her first husband, where all five of her children were born. Later in life, she moved to Pittsburg, Texas where she met and married her husband of 39 years, LJ Henderson, the love of her life. Mavis was a faithful member of Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church for over 40 years. One of her favorite scriptures was the 23rd Psalm. She sang in the choir before serving as the church musician, having learned to play by ear as a child. She was a member of the Missionary Society and also the Sister 2 Sister Women’s Ministry. One of her greatest joys was serving as Armor-Bearer to Pastor Lloyd, assisting him in any way she could. She loved the Lord, her pastor, and church family and was a willing servant. Mavis was known for her career in the food service industry, having dedicated many years up until retirement with the hospital and nursing home in Pittsburg, Texas. Through her work, she made a significant impact in mentoring a younger generation in the hospitality industry. Many of her inspired culinary skills are being used by her mentees. Her fierce commitment and passion inspired those around her.

Mavis is preceded in death by her parents: Cornelius Newton and Lillie Faye Alexander Newton; adoptive mother, Dorothy Simmons; mother-in-law, Johnnie Henderson; brother: Benjamin Franklin Newton; special brothers: John Paul, Marvin, Kervin and Ricky Henderson; chosen sister and best friend: Linda Smith; and special sisters: Carolyn Rogers, Betty Irvin, Maudie Watson, Evelyn Aikens, Rosie Carter, and Mary and Atradale Henderson.

Mavis leaves to cherish her memories: her husband, LJ Henderson; sons: Billy (Wanda) Butler of Pittsburg, Texas; Donald (Kishea) Butler of Pittsburg, Texas, and Charles Butler of Lancaster, Texas; daughters: Rolinda Butler of Falmouth, Jamaica, Alisa Butler of Pittsburg, Texas; 23 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, and 1 great, great grandchild; aunt: Helen McCullough Smith of Marlin, Texas; sister: Lillie Pauline Davis of Odessa, Texas; adopted sisters: Annie White, Sandra Hashaway, and Janice Nelms, all of Pittsburg, Texas; special sister: Jo Ann (Earnest) Spencer of Plano, Texas; special brothers: LaCharles Simmons and LH Henderson, both of Pittsburg, Texas; special children: Tiffany Anderson of Katy, Texas, Torey Hawkins of Mount Vernon, Texas and Damion Hawkins of Princeton, Texas, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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