Joyce Maye Henderson

JOYCE MAYE FREEMAN HENDERSON

Joyce Mayce Freeman Henderson was born on July 5, 1925 to Otis Taft Freeman and Lavita Patillo Freeman in Whiteright, Texas where she attended school. Joyce was extremely close to her father, Otis, and maternal grandmother, Annie Patillo, who continued raising her after the death of her mother, Lavita, in 1927 when Joyce was only two years old. Joyce’s brother, Clarence Lee, passed away as a one-year-old infant. When grandmother Annie was called home to glory, Joyce went to live with her father and stepmother, Mary Freeman.

From a young age growing up in the church, Joyce was active in the choir. As a child, and throughout her life, Joyce loved to sing. Her hometown considered her a musical prodigy. Although she liked all forms of music, gospel was her favorite. She was referred to locally as the “next Mahalia Jackson,” a nickname she earned one night for the angelic nature of her acapella singing resounding in the church that a storm had darkened. Her grandmother Annie made certain that Joyce was not only prepared with music and voice lessons, but donned the proper attire for all occasions.

An offer to travel the world and sing in the acclaimed choir “The Wings of Jordan” was declined to pursue a different path with a young gentleman suitor who had wooed her heart. After her high school graduation, she married Arthur Calvin Henderson on May 28, 1943. The young couple started a new life and new family in Compton, California where they lived for 30 years and raised their four daughters: Joyce Diane; Ardelia Calvette; Avila Laveda; and Arthureneé. The couple was happily married for 49 years until his death December 17, 1991. Years later Joyce opened a childcare and became a foster parent to Tracey Marie Harrison, whom she adopted when Tracey was 5 years old. Joyce and her eldest granddaughter, Ronnece made a great caregiving team!

Joyce enjoyed helping people buy homes in the Los Angeles area with Century 21 Real Estate.

Her passion for young children resulted in Joyce returning to school where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Childhood Education from Sam Houston College. She became a successful entrepreneur with her Golden Age Pre-School & Kindergarten facilities in both Compton and Las Vegas where she relocated. In this venture, she worked tirelessly beside Ms Debra Robinson for over 20 years.

Joyce, who lived up to her name “joy,” passed away quietly and peacefully with her beloved family by her side. She is proceeded in life by: Lavita Patillo, mother; Annie Patillo, grandmother; Otis Taft Freeman, father; Mary Freeman, stepmother; Arthur Calvin Henderson, husband; and Joyce Diane Henderson, eldest daughter. She leaves behind children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren who love her dearly and will forever be inspired by her legacy.

My Grandmother…

What a life

It seems as though she was born into strife

The fight

was real

She was set aside and rejected

Still

God got her through

he stepped in

Carried her as she grew

Changed

from Little joy

Who knew so little joy

To a young woman confident and poised

She Turned coal into diamonds

Took passion from her pain

She was able to use her past

To teach her daughters to dance while it rained

She was at their side for anything they needed

Nothing competed

With her love

And her fierce protection of them all

She saw

What they reveal

And what they didn’t

Prayed for what was hidden

Did her best to have them seated in the pews

having Dinners after church

Watching her family as it grew

and Expanded

she watched her girls raise girls single handed.

It’s hard to take on a role you don’t recognize

A motherless mother doing the best she could do

I’m sure Satan was ready with his lies

She has suffered loss that has left her hurt and dejected

But at the same time

Soft and reflective

She loved deeply

She was loved deeply

And she felt it all

Right up until she answered the call

To be with our loved ones who’ve gone before her

Her body may have failed but her journey is not over

She is just beginning the real meaning of “live”

And she’s singing “I did it My Way”

She absolutely did

A celebration of life for Joyce will be held Saturday, November 5, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at King David Memorial Chapel, 2697 E. Eldorado Lane, Las Vegas, Nevada 89120, followed by a catered reception from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

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