01/02/13 - NNHS Newsletter

John F. Henderson

NEWPORT NEWS - John Frazier Henderson died peacefully in his sleep at home on Dec. 26, 2012.
He was preceded in death by his parents Bert Burr and Elsie Lee Henderson; four brothers, BB, Charles, Hilland and Bobby.

Mr. Henderson is survived by his wife Laura Marjorie (Burgess) of Eden, NC; three sons, John Sheffield and wife Jerry, James Burgess and Robert Coke; four grandchildren, Karen, Denny, Carrie and Sam; five great grandchildren, Zackery, Claire, Leon and Patrick.

John Henderson

Mr. Henderson was born on Nov. 20, 1921 in Newport News, Va., and was a lifetime resident of the city. He graduated from Newport News High School in 1939 and was accepted into the NNS&DDCo Apprentice School program that same year. He graduated from the Apprentice School as a Shipfitter, a trade he was very proud to represent.

A week after graduation, in January 1944, he married the love of his life Laura and they shared their lives for the next 69 years. Shortly after marriage John was drafted into the Navy where he served from 1944 to 1946 reaching the rank of Meteorologist 2nd Class. After his service in WW II John returned to the Newport News Shipyard where he worked for forty-one years.
He was an avid outdoorsman, loved hunting, fishing and working on his house and yard. He loved his church, North Riverside Baptist, where he served as a Sunday school teacher, choir member and deacon. He loved his family and especially loved visiting with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be celebrated at 11:00 am. Saturday Jan. 5, 2013 at North Riverside Baptist Church, 311 Selden Road, Newport News VA. 23606. A reception and family visitation will be held immediately following the service in the church's Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers the family asked that donations be made to the John F. Henderson Memorial Fund c/o North Riverside Baptist Church.

Please leave online condolences at www.wjsmithandsonfh.com. Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home.

Published in the Daily Press on January 2, 2013. View Guest Book

Dear Friends and Schoolmates,
We have another sad edition of the NNHS Newsletter this Wednesday. John Henderson, Class of February 1939, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home in Newport News on Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at the age of 91.

January 02, 2013

Dear Henderson family,
You are in our prayers and thoughts at this time of your loss.
May our God surround each of you with comfort and peace.
Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Grace, Peace, and Love, Mildred, Janet and Lockstampfor Family.

~ Janet Lockstampfor, Newport News, Virginia

January 02, 2013

I remember John from our good old east end days; had not seen him in years, but you do not forget these times.

~ Ed Gwaltney, Hampton, Virginia

January 02, 2013

Dear Henderson family:

John was a man of integrity, class and character. Over the years I've known him, I've admired him for many things--most of all, his great and true love for his family and especially his soul-mate Laura, who took wonderful care of him the past months.
John exemplified everything good about the "greatest generation". He will be missed but his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.
John, I miss you and I love you.
Jeanette

~ Jeanette Leudesdorff, Virginia Beach, Virginia

January 02, 2013

Dear Henderson Family,

We are sorry to hear of Mr. Henderson's passing. You are in our prayers.

~ John and Allison Fletcher

January 02, 2013

Dear family, I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. I have so many wonderful memories of growing up together on Dogwood Drive. Your mom and dad were so nice to us children, and I remember a fun fifth grade birthday party for you, John. My mom passed away in May, so I know the loss you feel. But I also know that our faith in God and the memories we have will support us during these difficult times. God bless you all.

Contact Me

January 02, 2013

I am sorry to hear of the passing of John; he will be greatly missed. John was blessed to live a long, full life. Psalms 90:10 says that those who live to be 80 and older have "extra strength", John surely had that. May those fond memories that you have of him remain in your heart always as you seek comfort that only God can give at this time of sorrow.

~ Mel Smith

January 02, 2013

January 02, 2013

Our deepest sympathies are extended to the Henderson family and their friends.

Y'all take good care of each other! TYPHOONS FOREVER! We'll Always Have Buckroe!

Carol Buckley Harty
7020 Lure Court
Fayetteville, NC 28311-9309
915-780-3048