Johnnie Henson McDade

Johnnie Lee Henson McDade, 96, of Little Rock, Arkansas, departed this earth on September 6, 2025. Born in Montrose, Arkansas, she was the beloved first child of Warren Henson and Mazie McGehee Henson, and the eldest of eight siblings. Raised in Parkdale, she was an industrious and nurturing child, helping with farmwork and caring for her younger siblings. Her fond memories of life on the farm remained a source of joy throughout her life.

After completing the eighth grade in Parkdale, Johnnie continued her education at Charles H. Sumner High School in St. Louis, Missouri, and later at Dunbar High School in Little Rock, Arkansas—where she met the love of her life, Arthur McDade Jr. To their union of 21 years, four children were born: Linda, Gwendolyn, Patricia, and Arthur, III.

Following Arthur’s untimely passing at the age of 40, Johnnie returned to school while working to support her family. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Philander Smith College and pursued postgraduate studies at the State College of Arkansas (now UCA). Her lifelong devotion to education enriched the lives of countless students in Little Rock through her work at Franklin Elementary, Washington Elementary, Stephens Elementary, Capital City Junior College, and the McGraw Institute. Her excellence in the classroom was recognized with the Teacher of the Year award in 1985 and the Faculty Service Award at Capital City Junior College.

A woman of deep faith, Johnnie served as church clerk at First Baptist Church at Highland Park. She later joined St. Peter’s Rock, where she was active on several committees, including the Pastor’s Anniversary Committee. In her later years, she became a member of Saint Mark Baptist Church and the Golden Saints ministry.

Johnnie found joy in gardening, sewing, decorating, and caring for her grandchildren. She cherished family gatherings—especially Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter—where her cooking and warmth brought everyone together. A firm believer in education, she passed this value on to her children and grandchildren, often tutoring and helping them with homework

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur McDade Jr.; her parents, Warren Henson and Mazie McGehee Henson; siblings Alvin Henson, Nevels Henson, Helen Venable, and Edward Henson; her daughter, Patricia McDade Grant; and her grandson, Matthew Grant, MS.

She is survived by her children: Dr. Linda McDade Parker of Little Rock, Gwendolyn McDade Kendrick (Lewis) of Alexander, AR, and Arthur McDade III, MBA, of Little Rock. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Erica Parker, MA, Angela Kendrick, Esq., Lewis Kendrick Jr., Steven Kendrick, Gwyneth Mason, Jennifer Grant, MS, MA, Jonathan Grant, Rachel Grant, PhD, Antwone James, Candice James, Brandon Hearns, and Arthur McDade IV; and her many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her sisters: Mattie Wilkes of Los Angeles, CA, Ethel Schuler of San Diego, CA, and Mary Braswell of Brookeville, MD—as well as a host of extended family and cherished friends.

The family invites donations to a scholarship fund in Johnnie’s honor at Philander Smith University. Contributions may be mailed to Philander Smith University, Office of Institutional Advancement, Johnnie Henson McDade Scholarship, 900 W Daisy L Gatson Bates Dr, Little Rock, AR 72202.

Visitation will be 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., Friday, September 12, 2025 at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth Funeral Home. Homegoing service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 13, 2025 at the funeral home. Johnnie will be laid to rest following the service at Elm Lawn Cemetery.