Loretta Lois Henderson was born on August 28, 1934 in Newport News, VA (Warwick County) to the late Peachy Marrow and Martha Talton Marrow. She answered the Master's call and peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at Sentara Medical Careplex Hospital, Hampton VA.

"Lois" as she was known by her family and friends was one of five children. She is predeceased by her parents; infant son, Gregory Alan Henderson; brother, Peachy Marrow, Jr.; two sisters, Delia Jones (Silas) and Rachel Byrd (Coy).

Lois completed her formal education in the Newport News Public Schools system where she graduated from George W. Carver High School. She met and married a young soldier, Willie "Wess" Henderson. They were married on July 13, 1952 and she traveled with him on tours to Hawaii and Germany. Lois was a faithful, humble, loving, caring, kind, and giving woman with a sweet spirit. Her life and legacy were living and working for the Lord which is a testimony to us all. Lois retired from the PX Army Exchange as a cashier at Fort Eustis, VA. She was always a very active person. She loved going to the Riverside Wellness Center where she took numerous exercise classes and swimming. She would go to the gym three days a week Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, until her health declined. Her discipline with exercise and grace of God allowed her to do more with crippling rheumatoid arthritis than healthy folks.

At an early age, Lois was baptized at First Baptist Church Morrison, where she was born and raised in the church family. She was a very faithful and active member. She was involved in several ministries. She served as President and Treasurer of the Usher Ministry and provided training to new ushers in the Ministry. She was an honorary member of the Tidewater Usher Board Conference (TUBC). She was very active with the Silver Bells Ministry, where she served as President and most recently Treasurer. Her last trip with them was going to see the movie the "Color Purple", in December. She enjoyed the fellowship and outings. She was also very active with the FBCM Relay for Life Team from 2000 – 2013 always our champion for the number of laps around the course. As a cancer survivor herself, she walked in recognition of family and church members who were affected by the disease to raise money for Cancer Research. She became a Deaconess in 2005 where she served as the Treasurer. Lois became the "Mother of the Church" in 2019 which was a great honor for her. Lois loved her church family and she did not rest and we are thankful for the rest that the Lord has now given her with him.

She will be sorrowfully missed by her beloved husband of 71 years, Mr. Willie "Wess" Henderson, Jr., who she was devoted to and cared for even through her sickness. She is also survived by a daughter, Frances Greene of Batesville, MS; son, Willie James Henderson of Baltimore, MD; a grandson who she raised, Gregory Henderson of Mississippi; A dearly beloved sister, Florence Gwynn of Newport News, VA, who is 101 years old; her caregiver niece, Luvenia Heflin, who they call "Sister", of Newport News, VA; two sisters-in-law, April Marrow of Arizona and Ruth Henderson of Mississippi; a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, church children, and friends.

Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 AM on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at First Baptist Church Morrison, 12720 Patrick Henry Drive, Newport News, VA 23602. A Celebration of life service will follow at 11 AM with Rev. William J. Spencer, Pastor. Interment will be private at a later date.

Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home.