I, Yvonne Ward Henderson, was born March 4th, 1938 in Griffin, Georgia to my mother Margaret Ward and my father George Ward. I am the eldest sister to my brother Haskell. We spent a lot of time together in our youth, along with many whom I can call friends to this day.

Following my graduation from Fairmont High School in 1958, I resettled in Cleveland, Ohio with my father. I worked various jobs including delivering food trays to patients at Mount Sinai Hospital. I eventually settled in my own home with my mother back in Cleveland after spending time in Detroit and New York City.

I met Bobby Gene Henderson, Sr. along the way. We married in 1966 and raised three beautiful children: Chandra, Bobby, Jr., and Robert. After Robert was born, I enrolled in Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) and earned an associate degree in 1974. In 1977, I earned my bachelor’s in social work from Cleveland State University. I dedicated 30 years of my life to serving Cleveland at Cuyahoga County – Children and Family Services.

My children and I were members at Emmanuel Church (Episcopal). In pursuit of continued dedication to the Lord following the closing of Emmanuel Church, I converted to Catholicism and found home at St. Aloysius Church.

Thanks to my beloved brother Haskell, I had the opportunity to travel to several countries in Africa such as Eritrea and Ethiopia. To relax I found enjoyment working on 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles and playing games of solitaire. My husband Bobby Gene Henderson, Sr. proceeded me in death in 2004 and my son Bobby Gene Henderson, Jr. proceeded me in death in 2006. In the years following I dedicated a lot of time to the Church, spending time with family, and taking care of others.

Thank you for coming! Sorry I am not with you. A few days ago, I became a Wayfaring Stranger. I’m traveling to where there is no sickness, toil, or danger. My mother, father, and first son said they would meet me when I came. My presence on earth is extended through my children Chandra Lester and Robert Henderson; grandchildren Eric Lester, Keenon Lester (Collette), Chavonne Henderson, Haskell Lester and Hasana Lester; great-grandchild Zenovia Lester; sisters Mary Traci Dumas, Darlene Palmore, and Wylene Ward Claudman; brother Judge Haskell Sears Ward, sister in law Justice Leah Ward Sears; special cousins Leonard Day and Gerald Day; nieces and nephews Jerome Clark, Jr., Amirah Samuels and Charles Muchiri; and a host of loving extended family members.