Minister Ora Dee Henderson went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 21, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on February 18, 1924, in Beloit, Alabama, to the late Josephine Johnson-Jones and Roosevelt Moore. She attended high school through the 11th grade, where she met and married her childhood sweetheart, the late Elton Henderson Sr. In their young adult years, they moved to Akron, Ohio, where they began their family after his return from World War II. She remained a devoted resident there for more than 77 years, raising her family with love, strength, and unwavering commitment.

“Mother” and “Homemaker” were her most cherished roles, yet she was also a woman of great resourcefulness and wisdom. She took on cleaning jobs to support her family, clipped coupons, stretched every dollar beyond belief, and ran her home with dignity, order, and grace. At the same time, she was deeply civic-minded—an active and respected member of organizations such as the NAACP, Eastern Star, Dover Block Club, and the “Young in Heart” Community Club.

Her faith in God was her guiding light. She was a lifelong member of Mt. Haven Missionary Baptist Church, where she served faithfully in many capacities and was honored early on as the First Mother of the Church. She took great pride in her home and neighborhood, and her love for gardening and flowers earned her the Keep Akron Beautiful “Beautification Watch Award” time and time again.

Mother began her spiritual journey at the age of 14. She was a true believer. She often shared the story of her spiritual conversion—the “spotted cloud,” the narrow path filled with snakes, and the wheel in the middle of the wheel. She prayed and stayed with God until she was sure. She would often say, “Don’t worry about me; I got my ticket.”

Her mantra was, “You gotta know the Man for yourself,” and “Keep-a lookin’ up.” These words were not just spoken—they were lived and poured into everyone she encountered. Though small in stature, she was a giant in strength, integrity, and love for the Lord. She raised her children in the fear and admonition of God. Church was not optional—it was a way of life. Sunday School, choir, Vacation Bible school—she made sure we were there, even if she could not go herself.
She was the strongest woman we ever knew. Her love for her eight children was immeasurable—she spoke of them constantly. She would remind us, “Stay strong—stick together.” Family was everything to her. She cherished gatherings, especially those centered around her—Mother’s Day and her birthdays. Our family came together for every holiday, always looking forward to the next.

She held on to celebrate her 102nd birthday—a celebration filled with balloons, decorations, flowers, food, communion, songs, love, and laughter. It was a joyful day. She was present, alert, and full of excitement—as if she had been waiting for that final, beautiful celebration.
Her favorite song, “I Want Jesus to Walk with Me,” was often sung by her and later by her children—even in her final days. And we believe, without a doubt, that Jesus walked with her—and gently ushered her into glory on that blessed day.

Minister Ora Dee Henderson leaves to cherish her memory eight loving children:
Elder Josephine Henderson-Wilson (Bob),
Elton Henderson, Jr.,
Lolita Henderson-Byrd (Joseph),
Rosemary Henderson-Lindsey (Ray),
Bishop Michael L. Henderson (Twanna),
Alfonzo Henderson,
Darrell Henderson,
Dee Dee Henderson-Pitts (Joseph);
Grandchildren:
Lavinia Shropshire, James Shropshire Jr., Paul Shropshire, Tonya Shropshire-Nicholson,
April Henderson-Davis,
Nia Tukufu Hayes,
Daniel Butts, Raquel Butts,
Michael Henderson Jr. (MJ),
Brandon Burrows Henderson, Alfonzo Henderson Jr.,
Neche’ Henderson, Darrell Henderson Jr.

…and a host of great and great-great grandchildren. Special cousin Adam Moore, special friends Barbara Dean and Shirley Shropshire, along with nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends.
Special Thanks
Our deepest gratitude to caregivers: Dawn Houston-Spragling, Terri Carter, Heartland Hospice Care, Reflections Home Healthcare, Arcadia Home Healthcare.
Flower Girls and Pallbearers: Relatives and friends of the family.