Mrs. Barbara Letitia Henderson

Barbara Henderson’s Obituary

Barbara Letitia Benson Henderson, 91, of Fort Worth, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. Born on May 28, 1934, in Stillwater, Okla., to Raleigh and Letha Alma Lee Benson, she was the oldest of eleven children.

Barbara spent her childhood in rural areas, helping her family with farming chores. She was a mild-mannered and inquisitive child who accepted the Lord at an early age. She loved to sing, play the piano, read the Bible, and participate in church programs. She attended elementary school in Langston, Okla., and later enrolled at L’Overture High School in Meridian, Okla., where she excelled academically, sang in choirs, and participated in plays. As a member of the 4-H Club, she often participated in the Logan County Fair and was awarded a scholarship for her outstanding achievements. She graduated from L’Overture High School in 1953.

Barbara attended Langston University, where she studied art and cosmetology. She was an active member of the Langston Church of God in Christ (COGIC), involved in Sunday School and the Young People Willing Workers (YPWW) organization, which empowered her to be a strong ambassador of Christ.

During her college years, she met Luke Muse, and they married in 1955. The couple lived in Langston until 1966, when they moved to Guthrie, Okla. When Luke answered his call to ministry, he pastored Cushing COGIC in Cushing, Okla. They raised eight children. Known for her musical talents, Barbara became the music minister and taught her eight children to sing, and they formed the choir.

Barbara loved gospel music. She was a self-taught pianist and soloist. She was also a recording artist who recorded a record with the late James Cleveland, featuring her original songs, "Leaving My Sins Behind Me" and "I Can See Jesus." Barbara also started a family singing group called Melodies of Faith.

She enjoyed cooking soul food for friends and family and was an entrepreneur, running Barbara’s Beauty Shop from her home for many years.

In 1987, Barbara married Elbert Boone in Guthrie. They sang duets in various churches throughout Oklahoma. They were together for a few years before she moved to Fort Worth in 1989.

In January 2005, she married her current husband, Elmer Henderson. They lived in Fort Worth, Texas. She enjoyed gardening and cultivated vegetable gardens at her home until her later years, when health issues limited her ability to do so.

Barbara was an active member of Bright Glory Missionary Baptist Church and served as their minister of music and a Sunday School teacher for many years.

Barbara’s life is defined by five key themes: Marriage, Mothering, Music, Ministry, and Mentorship. In her 91 years on earth, she treasured her involvement in each.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Raleigh and Letha Benson; a son, David Eric Muse; a grandson, Justin Philip Luke Muse; a granddaughter, Letitia Stanton; a brother, James Arnold Benson; and former husbands, Luke Muse and Elbert Boone.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Elmer Henderson; four sons, Darrell Nathan Muse of Guthrie, Victor Paul Muse of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Philip Kevin Muse (LaDonna) of Lawton, and Joseph Edwin Muse of Tulsa; three daughters, LaRhonda Sheryl Muse of Williams, Arizona, Zelda Patrice Mitchell (Moreno) of Wichita,

Kansas, and Genese Lynette Muse of Arlington, Texas; 24 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Survivors also include two stepchildren, Mitchell Henderson of Claremore, Oklahoma, and Michelle Henderson of Fort Worth. She is also survived by her siblings: Mary Frances Owens Johnson of Royse City, Texas; Wilhelmina Holden of Madera, California; Carol J. Morgan Oggs of Sacramento; Joyce A. Benson of Sacramento; Lloyd Thomas Benson of Fort Worth; Melva Lois Benson of Wichita, Kansas; Esther Rostelle Benson of Fresno, California; Stephen DuBois Benson of Phoenix, Arizona; Bruce Edward Benson (Beverly) of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Services are under the direction of Gregory Spencer Funeral Home, Fort Worth. Burial will be at Laurel Land Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 7100 Crowley Rd, Fort Worth, Texas 76134.