Michele Woodward Henderson

Helen Michele Woodward was born in Waco, Texas on the 20th of November 1951 to Mary Kay and Charles Woodward. She had a carefree childhood, loving all things fashion and spending her summers waterskiing on Lake Waco amongst a plethora of family and friends. She graduated from Richfield High School in Waco, Texas and then received a marketing degree from Southern Methodist University. This suited her perfectly, as she was a fashion buyer for her mother’s dress shop, Town & Country. On her first day at SMU, she met her college sweetheart and soulmate, Bob Henderson. She proudly joined Kappa Alpha Theta, and she remained dear friends with her sorority sisters along with countless classmates and childhood friends throughout the entirety of her life. Michele and Bob married in May 1974 and moved to Houston where they raised their two daughters, Hilary and Whitney.

Michele was a born extrovert and never met a stranger. She had a love and knowledge of many things, and could talk to almost anyone about anything. She was a true Renaissance woman and was a classic beauty, fashionista, interior decorator, jewelry designer, master entertainer, chef extraordinaire and cosmo queen. Michele reveled in traveling the world by plane, train, automobile and boat. She and Bob enjoyed many long summers aboard the ‘Great Escape’ exploring, fishing and snorkeling the crystal clear waters of the Bahamas and Bermuda with their children and friends. They bought beachfront property at the white sands of Destin, Florida where they traveled together on annual Henderson family trips for over forty years.

Michele had an encyclopedic knowledge of flora and fauna, was a model for the Junior League, and was deeply invested in her children’s education and volunteering in their school’s PTAs. Michele never shied away from friendly competition and had a love of many games and sports including mahjong, bridge, basketball and tennis. Michele was vibrant and vivacious, always ‘dressed to the nines’ and clad in colorful clothing. Any shade of blue was her preferred palette as it reminded her of the ocean and accentuated her beautiful blue eyes! Her family and friends could always count on Michele for her refined sense of style, honest and straightforward opinions, and her personal shopping skills. While she was a collector of art, antiques and fine furniture, she was legendary among friends for her decorating advice and her fabulous finds which were often found in the aisles of Homegoods. She always had an upbeat and infectious energy, and she could brighten any room with her smile. And most notably, Michele was known as a woman who was as strong as she was graceful. She never let life’s obstacles and hardships get in her way. Michele was called ‘Den Mother’, ‘Unsinkable Molly Brown’ and had been affectionately named ‘Miss Full Charge’ by her father since childhood. But it was her name of ‘Shelly’, the adored and beloved grandmother, that was her most treasured. The arrival of her first grandchild Olivia in 2019 brought a new, bright light into her life after Bob passed away. The role of grandmother was her most exciting and fulfilling adventure yet.

Although she was diagnosed with incurable brain cancer in 2022, Michele had the heart of a warrior and was perpetually optimistic. She was determined to never complain about the hand she was dealt. In the two years after her diagnosis, Michele thrived. She celebrated her second granddaughter’s birth, helping in any way she could. And in true Michele fashion, she continued to travel the world with family and friends, taking every opportunity to make special memories with loved ones and live her life to its fullest.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Bob Henderson, and her parents, Mary Kay and Charles Woodward. Michele is survived by her two daughters and two beloved grandchildren; Hilary and Brett Lanphere of Katy, Texas and Whitney and Alex Douglas and their daughters Olivia Marin and Ella Michele of Houston, Texas. She is also survived by her brothers, Mark Woodward and Matt and Janine Woodward of Waco, Texas and her sister, Missy Woodward of Wimberley, Texas. Other loved ones include nieces, nephews and many lifelong friends with whom she made special memories with over the years. Not to be forgotten are her faithful and loving pups, Chula and Molly.

Michele’s guidance, support and friendship were unconditional with most of her relationships spanning decades. This is a testament to how deeply she cared for and was invested in the lives of others. The impact she made on so many will never be forgotten. She will be deeply missed.

A private gathering to celebrate her life will occur for loved ones at a later date.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be made in Michele’s memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 due to her great love of children. The family is also eternally grateful for the medical support provided by M.D. Anderson’s Brain and Spine Center.