Steven Odell Henderson

Steven Odell Henderson, 76, of Winter Haven, Florida, was welcomed into Heaven on March 5, 2026. He was born in 1949 to Albert and Lorena Henderson of Lynn, North Carolina. Steven developed a tireless work ethic and deep integrity while working at the family grocery and service station. These values guided him throughout life.

Steven’s faith in God was central to his life. Weather it was through “God Winks”. Divine Interventions or Divine Interference, Steven’s life was a beautiful collection of moments where Heaven gently touched earth.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Grace Point Church, on Friday 20th of March at 4:00.

After graduating from Appalachian State University, Steven married Janet Poslusny Henderson. They enjoyed adventures in scuba diving and traveling, and raising their son Ryan – memories that remained cherished even as their paths eventually diverged.

Steven married Pamela Brush Henderson in 2002. Their lives were filled with adventure and joy—from hot air balloon rides, roller coaster rides at Universal Studios to Bucs and Gator’s football games. Steven encouraged Pam’s dream of becoming an attorney. They embraced their adventurous spirits wholeheartedly until Pam’s passing in 2017.

Steven is survived by his wife, Judith Nicewonder Henderson. Although neither one was looking, they found love again after the heartbreak of losing a spouse and married in 2020. Whether they were relaxing at home in Winter Haven or enjoying time at “The Cabin” by the Cane River in Burnsville, NC, or the beach condo in Longboat Key, FL, their years together were filled with love and gratitude. During one of their adventures, they found a heart shaped rock that was so large Steven called a Tow Truck to pull it out. They survived Hurricane Helene as the Cane River came raging up to the cabin deck and washing away most of the road. Despite Steven’s severely compromised health, together they hiked for 5 hours through quicksand mud, four landslides, and under and over downed trees before reaching safety and God sent two Angels to help him get to the neighbor’s house a mile away. This was a miracle and testament to their resilience, faith and the Grace of God.

Steven enjoyed a successful 20-year career at Mutual Wholesale Company, rising to VP of Human Resources. He later served Florida's school systems as Director of Risk Management, first in Polk County, then Manatee County, and finally North East Florida Educational Consortium (NEFEC) in Palatka before he retired.

Steven’s passion for motorcycles spanned his life, evolving from adventurous trail rides in the remote woods to scenic backroad trips with wonderful friends Wade Anderson and Rick Riedemann. He was a long-time member of the Florida Trail Riders. He belonged to the club named Sunrunners off road motorcycle club. He enjoyed trail riding and racing his dirt bikes. Steven was known as Mr. Croom by a lot of the dirt bike riders because he had around 20,000 miles of riding the trails at Croom motorcycle park. He was a member of Riders of the Cross and Christian Motorcyclist Association.

Steven is also survived his son Ryan Henderson and daughter-in-law Ansley; his granddaughter Kaia. Steven shared many adventures with Ryan over the years—trail riding motorcycles and scuba diving to name a few. Steven was so very proud of Ryan as he watched him mature into the amazing Husband and Dad that he is. For him to see Ryan’s kindness, sense of responsibility, hard work ethic and integrity shining through brought great joy to his heart.

Also surviving is Steven’s sister Susan Henderson. Their last adventure together included Judith as they all searched for Heart and Foot rocks by the Cane River. Brothers and Sisters live outside the touch of time. To the outside world, everyone grows old, but not to brothers and sisters. They know each other as they always were. They know each other’s hearts, share private family jokes, remember family feuds and secrets. Steven and Susan shared a bond that can never be broken.

In addition, Steven is also survived by his stepson, Dean Shull III and wife Tasha, stepdaughters, Angela Clinebell and Mary Ann Koon and her husband, James Koon; his step-granddaughters, Cassie and Paige Clinebell; and his step-great grandchildren, Daniel, Judah, and Selah Blackmon, Father Ryan and Mother Sarah Blackmon.

He will also be deeply missed by Abbie Lou Henderson, his faithful Golden Retriever, and Blossom Nicewonder Henderson, an adorable Maltese-Yorkie. Steven was predeceased by his parents Albert and Lorena Henderson and his brother A. Allen Henderson. He will be remembered fondly by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.