Willie Faye Henderson

Mother Willie Faye Lewis-Henderson Hunter, the oldest living family member, was 95 years of age at the time of her passing in Fort Worth, Texas. The sun rose on her life on January 12, 1920 in Paris, Texas and set on February 21, 2015.

During her childhood, her family relocated to Wichita Falls, Texas in 1929. As a young woman, Willie Faye lived in Fort Worth, Texas for a number of years where she met the love of her life, Joseph Hunter. Their lives took a different course when he left to serve his country in World War II. After returning to Wichita Falls, Texas, she married Elbert Henderson. Years after Elbert’s passing Willie Faye reunited with her first love, Joseph Hunter, and they were married.

Willie Faye resided in Wichita Falls for the last 75 plus years. She served faithfully under the pastorate and fellowship of the late Dr. and Mrs. LeRoy Cleaver, Jr., and International Evangelist and Mrs. Fred Field as a member of Neff Street Church of God in Christ, following his pastorate to Jackson Memorial Church of God in Christ where she was the oldest living member. Mother Henderson-Hunter served as a private home nurse who provided care for patients in their homes as they transitioned into the next life.

Mother Henderson-Hunter is survived by her daughter: Jacqueline N. Henderson-Mergerson and son-in-law, R. H. Mergerson, Jr; grandchildren: Joshua O. (Jamila) Mergerson, Sr., Brittane D. N. Mergerson, Skye C. Mergerson, and Robert H. Mergerson, III.; great-grandchildren: Joshua, Jr., Jada, Jewel, Josiah, Joelle, and Gabriel Mergerson; Sister: Hazel Lewis-Horace; great-nephews: Michael Hood, Terry Hood; great-niece: Sharron Brown-Joseph; and a host of nieces, nephews and family members.

Preceding her in death are her parents, Bud and Caroline Edmonia Hughes-Lewis; second husband, Joseph Hunter; first husband, Elbert Henderson; sisters: Beatrice Norwood-Walden, Maggie Smith, Hattie Mae Long-Williams, Lucile Lewis-Eggins, Arzetta Lewis; brothers: Fred Smith, Floyd Smith, Ollie Hampton, and Ernest Steward.

Mother Willie Faye Lewis-Henderson Hunter was well-loved and will be greatly missed by daughter, grandchildren, family, friends and community.