Marian S. Henderson

August 8, 1915 – June 1, 2018

Marian Henderson, Selma High’s oldest graduate, died on June 1st in her home in Selma at age 102.

She was born on Aug. 8, 1915, the second child of Leroy Schrack and Lora Alta Dewhirst Schrack.

Marian spent her life on Rose Avenue. She grew up on a farm east of Selma at Rose and Bethel avenues and walked more than two miles to Garfield School and Roosevelt Junior High. “I was born in Selma and still live here,” she said during her 100th birthday party in 2015. “I’m happy to be in my own home.”

Marian graduated from Selma High in 1933. While at SHS, she participated in volleyball, baseball and track, served on the school council and was editor of the Magnet yearbook.

Summers were busy on the farm in Selma, which then was known as “home of the peach.” Marian picked peaches and grapes on the family farm as a girl, turning and rolling trays after school.

While growing up in Selma, Saturday nights were filled with band concerts in the park, joined by relatives from the Dewhirst, Scott and Shepard families.

Marian graduated from Fresno State College, then began her teaching career in 1938, signing a contract to be paid $1,320 for the school year. She married Dale Henderson, a marine who had returned from World War II, in 1945. He died in 1955, but not before he built their home on Rose Avenue.

Marian then resumed her teaching career that saw her teach at Roosevelt, Washington and Wilson schools for 33 years.

Among the highlights of her long life were a trip to South Africa with her brother John Schrack and sister-in-law Leapha, a boat trip aboard the Delta Queen and visits to Alaska and the Hawaiian Islands.

Her blessings included her daughter Lorie, running into her former students in downtown Selma, her love of Fresno State sports and the San Francisco Giants, her bridge groups, serving as Grand Marshal of the Selma Rotary Band Festival in 2013 and her lifelong membership in Selma First United Methodist Church.

At her 100th birthday party, Marian noted that she had given up driving at age 97 and took only a single over-the-counter medicine.

Marian Henderson is survived by her daughter Lorie, sister-in-law Leapha Schrack, two nieces and two nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Donald (1933) and John (2018) Schrack and sister Dorothy Terry (1971).

Marian Henderson’s graveside service was private.

Remembrances can be made to: Shriners Hospital for Children 2425 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95817; or Valley Children’s Healthcare Foundation, 9300 Valley Children’s Place Madera, CA 93636-8762.

Family and Friends are invited to view Marian’s legacy at www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com and send condolences to the family.

Services by People’s Funeral Chapel 559-584-5591.