Wilhemina Henderson

Obituary

Wilhelmina Henderson was born April 9,1957 to the union of Willie Henderson Sr., Ethel Mae Primus Henderson, in Chicago, IL.

Wilhelmina was baptized and fellowship into the Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist Church Pastored by the late Rev J.N. Wordlaw. In her early teens she began singing in the youth choir and later on worked in the vacation bible school during the summer months.

Wilhelmina attended Chicago Public Schools, which was Howland elementary, Tennyson upper grade center and Orr high School, She also took classes at Debbie School of beauty, but was not able to complete the course because of an allergic reaction to the chemicals that was being used. Therefore she was not able to become the beautician she dreamed of being.

Wilhelmina  was employed as professional nanny for over five years. She also was a receptionist at a local barber and beauty shop. Later she was a food aid at a senior center on the near north side of Chicago. She also was a fun and loving babysitter for many of her nephews, nieces and even her great nephews and nieces as well. 

Wilhelmina enjoyed many things in her life time. Dancing was one of them, which landed her and her twin brother Willie Jr., a spot on the hippest dance show in town called Soul Train which was aired  locally in Chicago in the early 70s. 

Wilhelmina loved many of the music genres, but R&B was her favorite. From such artist as, Michael Jackson, R. Kelly, Bobby Blue Bland, Kieth Sweat, Betty Wright, Pattie Labelle and so many others.

Wilhelmina, could sing gospel music as well, she would sing at varies family events. Three songs she would often sing “Take me back” “Father open our eyes” and one that all of her nephews and nieces knew was “Prayer changes things”. She had a great alto voice, she could belt out a song. 

Wilhelmina also was a sport enthusiastic she loved her home team Chicago Bulls, Bears and the Cubs.  Wilhelmina was a fervent reader, she was a member of several book clubs. Another of her hobbies was card playing she was a very astute player very seldom was defeated especially in the game of spades and bid wist.

Wilhelmina also was a great cook she could bake the best chocolate, coconut, Carmel, and pound cakes ever and I can’t leave out everyones favorite her amazing banana pudding and on holidays she would whip up some chicken and dressing just like her mother used to make.

In 1985 Wilhelmina relocated to Detroit, MI with her sister Mildred. There she became a member of “Power of Faith Church, under the leadership of Reverend Willie J. Reily. While there she song in the local churches and earned the reputation as a piercing powerful soloist. But in 1987 she returned to Chicago to care for her ailing mother and after the passing of her mother she remained in the family home for several years. Wilhelmina eventually relocated to Rockford, IL after purchasing a home there. 

Wilhelmina lived in Rockford, IL until the time of her passing February 02-2021 at 5:43pm. 

Wilhelmina was preceded in death by her parents Willie and Ethel Henderson three sisters Carolyn, Barbara and Georgia, one brother Charles, two nephews Anthony Sr. and Anthony Jr..

Those who will carry on the memory of her in their hearts always are: her nieces Candace and Renata, five nephews, Johntu, Camaron, Edward, Hunter, and Terrence.

Siblings: Erma, Mildred, Doris, Willie Jr, Norris, Deborah and Maryland and one uncle Sanders Wright Pittman. 

Seven nephews: Michael, Peter, Patrick, Lenartha Jr, Clarence, Terrence Sr. and Author J..

Three nieces: Michelle, Orlenda, Tiffany and a host of great nephews, nieces, cousins, other family members and friends. 

Wilhelmina Affectionally known as “meme” by family and friends had an unforgettable smile that she would flash for you at any given time.

Wilhelmina did not have any children of her own however she helped to raise many in her life time. Those we love remain with us for love itself lives on, and cherished memories never fade because a loved one’s gone. 

Those we love can never be more than a thought apart, far as long as there is memory, they”ll live on in the heart.

Author unknown

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