Lillie Henderson

Lillie Henderson was born on April 14, 1937, in Leesburg, Florida, to the late Valentine Adams Sr. and Ruth Simmons Adams. On April 10, 2025, the Lord called her home, saying, “Well done, My good and faithful servant.”

Lillie graduated from Carver Heights High School, formerly Lake County Training School, in 1955. Shortly after graduation, she relocated to Connecticut for work, where she met and later married Pharoh Henderson Jr. (deceased) on December 24, 1960. In 1970, the couple settled in Apopka, Florida.

She earned a certificate in soldering and began working for General Electric in Plymouth, Florida. Later, she joined the Walt Disney World Resort as a Wardrobe Hostess, where she dedicated 20 years of service before retiring.

Lillie was a faithful member of St. Luke Independent Free Methodist Church, where she was baptized and served on the Usher Board. She was a committed fundraiser for the church and actively supported its mission. She was also a proud member of the Women's Suffolla Club, an organization that raised scholarship funds to support high school seniors pursuing college education.

Lillie leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and service. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Gail Henderson-Johnson, and son-in-law, Bruce Johnson; her bonus daughters, Phaye Henderson White (Johnny) and Debra Wesley; and her late bonus son, Terrance Robinson. Her surviving siblings include brothers Leroy Adams, Lawrence Adams (Minnie), and Valentine Adams Jr. She was predeceased by her sister-cousin, Fannye Sampson.

She was a loving and dedicated grandmother to the late Brandon Pejay Thompson and cherished her godson, Treyvon Reed. She also shared a special bond with her extended family and bonus daughters: Candy Cole (Nelson), Andrea P. Garner, Latonja Rew (Anthony), Pam White, and the late Robin Pollock. Her bonus grandchildren include Jahnia Perkins, Jahnear Allen, Durrell Riggins Jr., LaDeidra Atkins, Cinnamon Compton, Neil Cole, Nelson Cole III (Brittany), and Juwanza Sparks.

She is also remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will miss her dearly.

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