Louise Regina Henderson

Louise Regina Henderson was born on February 13, 1951, in Arizona on the Tohono O'Odham Nation to David and Matilda Henderson. She was the second child to this union but the third youngest of twelve siblings. During her early years the family resided at Eleven Mile Corner Family Camp where she attended first through third grade. The family then relocated to Phoenix, AZ where she attended Percy L. Julian Elementary School from 1960 to 1965. Louise then went on to attend and graduate from South Mountain High School on June 6, 1969.

After graduating high school Louise worked various jobs and gave birth to her oldest son Derek Hankins.

Not long after that she met and fell in love with Curtis Hayes. From that relationship she was blessed with her stepson Terrance Hayes and gave birth her youngest son Alvin Hayes. Louise loved her children and family dearly and did not tolerate anyone disrespecting them, She would always say, "You'd be better off running through hell with gasoline draws than to mess with them." Lol, she did not play!

By the mid seventies Louise decided to further her education and decided to attend Arizona State

University (ASU) where in 1980 she received her Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education and Special

Education. She took great pride in being the first in her family to graduate a four year college. Soon after she accepted a teaching position in the Roosevelt Scholl District at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School. After a few years she then transferred to Percy L. Julian Junior High where she remained until she retired. in 2006. During her tenure at Julian school, Louise returned to ASU and received her Masters Degree in Educational Administration & Supervision in 1992. She truly loved teaching and her students. Many have throughout the years commented to various family members of the positive impact she had on their lives.

Louise also worked for the City of Phoenix Parks & Recreation for many years during school summer breaks at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary and Percy L. Julian Junior High which allowed her to stay in contact with her students and other children in the neighborhood. She took pride in her community and the fact that she not only worked in South Phoenix but lived there as well. After her retirement she continued to work in the Roosevelt School District as a substitute teacher and administrator until her health issues would no longer allow it. She knew everybody and everybody knew Miss Henderson.

Throughout her career Louise was member of several organizations all of which she held various offices.

These are just a few: Roosevelt Education Association, National Education Association, Percy L. Julian PTSO, South Mount High School Booster Club and the Red Hatters Society. She was featured in Who's Who Among American Teachers in 1994, 1996 and 2000. Louise was a long time member of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church and she adored her church family.

Louise was a beautiful and amazing Queen, mother, teacher, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. She had a big voice but an even bigger heart. She would not hesitate to help anyone in need even if it meant recruiting family and friends to get it done. She will truly be missed by all who knew her, It was definitely a blessing to have her in our lives. Louise fought a good fight but God saw that she was tired and decided to take her to her Heavenly home. If she could have had it her way, she would never have left. Rest easy Queen, rest easy, job well done.

Louise was preceded in death by her mother, father, daughter and six siblings (Onita, LaFaye, David Jr,

Walter, Thelma and Ernest).

Louse is survived by her three sons Derek, Terrance and Alvin (Timeka). Five siblings Willie (Marie),

James, Alonzo (Cloe), Katherine and Kevin Henderson. Six grandchildren Jahron Alviana, Stormy, Davion, Alanna and Aliyah. Seven great grandchildren (Naveah, Davion, Jordan, Zavion, A'azaria Ziyonna and Jahryah.. Goddaughters DeAndra, April S. and Zenobia. Best friends who became sisters Shirolyn Greer, Carol Chapelle, Marilyn Marshall, Johnnie Gordan, Tammy Adams and Donnette Jones. A host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

A funeral service for Louise will be held Saturday, July 31, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Family of Faith Christian Church, 950 East Pecan Road, Phoenix, AZ 85040. Following the funeral service will be a committal service from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Resthaven / Carr-Tenney Mortuary & Memorial Gardens, 4310 East Southern Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.resthavencarrtenney.com for the Henderson family.