Gloria Dean Henderson Massey

Mrs. Gloria Dean Henderson Massey

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law."

— Galatians 5:22–23

Gloria Dean Henderson Massey lived a life that beautifully reflected the fruit of the Spirit. Known for her gentle strength, compassionate heart, and unwavering faith, she intentionally sought to embody love, joy, peace, and kindness in every season of her life. To know Gloria was to experience warmth, wisdom, and grace.

Gloria was born on June 24, 1941, in Junction City, Arkansas, to the late Frank Henderson, Sr. and the late Donnie Lee Cheatham Henderson. She was raised in Ruston, Louisiana, where she graduated from Lincoln High School before continuing her education at Grambling State University. During her formative years, she united with China Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Grambling, Louisiana, where her foundation of faith was firmly established.

She later married her college sweetheart and lifelong partner, Jesse Lee Massey of Eldorado, Arkansas. Together, they built a life rooted in love, faith, and purpose. Their journey led them to Ft. Hood, Texas, and eventually to El Paso, Texas. In El Paso, they raised their beloved daughters, Gail Denise Massey Prince and Sherri Kaye Massey Sistrunk, nurturing a home filled with faith, learning, and joy.

A passionate educator and counselor, Gloria earned her Master’s degree in Educational Psychology and Guidance from the University of Texas at El Paso, with additional studies at Texas A&M University. In 1983, she became a Licensed Professional Counselor and dedicated 30 years of service to the Ysleta Independent School District as both a history teacher and counselor. Her impact on students and families was profound, as she guided, encouraged, and inspired countless young lives.

Gloria’s life of service extended deeply into both church and community. While in El Paso, she was an active member of Mount Zion Baptist Church and Friendship Baptist Church; serving both congregations as the Church Clerk, Program Director, and Baptist Training Union Director. Most notably, she faithfully served alongside her husband for 16 years as a co-laborer in ministry and as the First Lady of St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church in El Paso. As a charter member, she played an instrumental role in helping establish and nurture the church, contributing to its spiritual growth and development from 1983 to 2001. Gloria considered it a profound privilege to serve God alongside her family and to pour into the lives of others through ministry, teaching, counseling, and outreach.

After the passing of her husband, Pastor Jesse L. Massey, Gloria retired shortly thereafter from the Ysleta Independent School District. In 2001, she relocated to Lewisville, Texas and united with Westside Baptist Church. There, she continued her legacy of service as Outreach Coordinator for the Women’s Ministry, a member of the Women’s Choir, and a faithful participant in the Usher Ministry. Gloria also served as servant leader and was the co-founder of the OWL (Older Wiser Leaders) Ministry for five years and remained actively engaged in Kingdom Connection Sunday School Class #15, the Vineyard.

Gloria’s commitment to service reached far beyond the church walls. She was a dedicated member and leader in Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, serving as Basileus of the Eta Iota Zeta Chapter. Gloria was also instrumental in the founding of the Phi Psi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, in which she was an active member. Gloria gave 53 years of service as a Finer Woman of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.

Her passion for uplifting others also led her to serve on the board of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Greater Fort Worth Chapter, and on the Child Protective Services Board of Denton County.

Additionally, she served on the Board of the TX (BGCT) Baptist General Convention of Texas from 2015 to 2021. During her tenure at BGCT, she served as the Chairperson of the BGCT Cultural Engagement Committee and was a member of the Seasoned Saints Auxiliary.

Her excellence and service were recognized through numerous honors. Some of these honors include the 2001 Woman of Distinction Award from the El Paso Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, the 2004 Outstanding Volunteer Award from the Greater Fort Worth Chapter of Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, the 2012 African Violet Award from the Denton County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and the 2012 Woman of Achievement Award from the Miss Texas Organization. In addition, she was a dedicated volunteer with Christian Community Action (CCA), where she coordinated the community and employee health fairs for the organization.

Gloria often expressed heartfelt gratitude to God for allowing her family to serve and worship together. She viewed her life not through the lens of accomplishments, but through the lives she touched. She remained humble, always thankful, and deeply aware that her purpose was to make a difference in the lives of others.

After 84 blessed years of a life well lived, Gloria peacefully transitioned, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, and service that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Donnie Henderson; her brother, Clyde D. Henderson; and her sisters, Mattie Henderson Scott and Hattie Henderson Simmons.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories her loving daughters, Gail Denise Massey Prince (Jimmie) and Sherri Kaye Massey Sistrunk (Steven); her grandchildren, Aloria Denise Prince, Shayla Kaye Sistrunk, and Steven Warren Massey Sistrunk II; her brothers, Pastor Frank Henderson, Jr. (Dorothy) and Jerry Michael Henderson (Mary); her sisters, Bobby Jean Henderson Currie (Elvin), Ernestine Henderson Vasher, and Mary Esther Henderson Rivers (Willie); sister-in-law Rosa Faye Henderson, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Her life was a testimony. Her legacy is love.

To God be the glory.