Barbara Velasco Henderson

Barbara Velasco Henderson, 76, passed away on June 28, 2026. Born August 12, 1949, Barbara was a beloved and cherished presence whose compassion, patience, and kind-hearted spirit touched many lives. She will be remembered with deep respect and enduring gratitude by those who had the privilege to know her.

Barbara’s early years reflected a steady dedication to learning and clear communication. She graduated from Garfield High School in Los Angeles, California, in 1969, and went on to attend California State University Long Beach in Long Beach, California, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communications in 1973. That same year, she received her California State Teaching Certification. While an undergraduate, Barbara earned National honors in Forensics, an achievement that spoke to her discipline and thoughtful presence of mind.

Barbara devoted herself to the work of teaching with a calm steadiness and genuine care for others. She served as an Elementary School Teacher in the Brea-Olinda School District in Brea, California, from 1973 to 1979. Later, she continued her service in education as an Elementary School Teacher with Jersey City Public Schools in Jersey City, New Jersey, from 2008 to 2016, bringing to each classroom the compassion and patience that defined her life.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 50 years, Martin Lee Henderson, of the Town of River Bend, North Carolina, originally of Los Angeles, California. Barbara and Martin were married on June 19, 1976, in Seal Beach, California. Barbara had 3 children, all living, Martina Lee Henderson, age 46; Dana Marie Henderson Raftery, age 44; and Grant Joseph Henderson, age 41. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren, Ford Martin Henderson, age 6, Madelyn Marie Raftery, age 4, twin brothers Rex Thomas and Casey Philip Henderson, age 4 and Elizabeth Rose Raftery, age 21 months.

Barbara is preceded in death by her father, Joseph Diaz Velasco, May 2, 1921, to February 8, 2008; mother, Carmen Velasco, maiden name Abalos, April 24, 1927, to November 18, 2001; and brother, Joseph Velasco, Junior, March 23, 1944, to April 18, 1997.

In her community, Barbara’s gentle generosity and consistent concern for others were evident in the time she gave and the commitments she kept. She was a member of the New Carolinians Club of New Bern, North Carolina, and served as Secretary of the Club. She was also a member of the New Bern Yacht Club in New Bern, North Carolina. Barbara volunteered at the Merci, Clinic in New Bern, North Carolina, and was a member of the Parish at St. Paul Catholic Church in New Bern, North Carolina. Through these ties, Barbara remained a cherished part of the lives and places she held dear.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Barbara Velasco Henderson.