On Tuesday, December 18, 2018, Ora Mae Burgess Henderson, at the age of 92, surrounded by her loving family, went to be with her heavenly father. She was born on June 6, 1926 in Altavista, Virginia. Her predeceased parents were James Otis Burgess, and Vera Elizabeth Burnett Burgess. After school, as a teenager, she worked in her father’s grocery store and helped her mother with household chores. Ora had four predeceased siblings, Etta Burgess Clay, James Otis Burgess, Jr., Paul Laverne Burgess and Elva Burgess Millner.
She is survived by her husband, Orin Oliver Henderson. On March 15, 1945 Ora married her childhood sweetheart and love of her life, Orin Oliver Henderson. Ora and Orin were next door neighbors in Altavista; they basically “grew-up” together. After their courtship and Orin’s return from serving in World War II, they decided to elope and since then, have been married for more than seventy-two years. During the past seventy-two years they were blessed with seven children; Otis Oliver Henderson (Norma), Sarah Henderson Sligh (Jimmy), Deborah Henderson Bennett, Cheryl Henderson Soult (Ronnie), Karen Henderson Patterson (Randy), Donna Henderson Dodd (“Bo”) and their predeceased daughter, Glenna Henderson North. They were also blessed with thirteen grandchildren; Kimberly Henderson Staton (Bobby), Audrey Henderson Grey (Stephen), James Lawrence Sligh, Jr. (Carol), William Oliver Sligh (Jackie), Timothy Wayne Ewers (Angie), Michael Orin Ewers, (Paula), “R. C.” North, Jr., (Becky) Christi North O’Daniel (Matt), Ronald Dwayne Soult (Jeannie), Terri Soult Booth (Terry), Kendall Montaque Mays (Amy), Kelly Nixon Wall (David), and Jennifer Nixon Woodard (Mark). Ora’s legacy also includes thirty-two great-grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren.
Ora stated many times, that some of her happiest days were spent raising her children. Some of her fondest memories included family trips and vacations. “Granny” loved being with all of her family. While raising her children, she worked at the Lynchburg Training Center and retired after twenty-two years of service. She enjoyed country music and loved to dance, but some of her favorite music was gospel hymns.
A celebration of Ora’s life will be held graveside at 10:00 a.m., Friday, December 21, 2018, at Altavista Memorial Park with Pastor Ross Gilfillen officiating. There will be no scheduled visitation hours at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Monelison Rescue Squad.
To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.whittenmonelison.com.
Whitten Monelison Chapel is serving the family, (434) 929-5712.
