Gladys Jacqueline Henderson

Gladys Jacqueline Henderson was born Jacqueline Janelle Crenshaw on November 23, 1941, in Los Angeles, CA to the late Henry Wilmont Crenshaw and Hazel Jeffrey Crenshaw, the second of nine children. Her surviving siblings are as follows: Rubye Fisher (James) of Lexington, KY; Ardis Crenshaw (Frankie) of Austin, TX; Debra Cruz (Rick) of Dripping Springs, TX; Robbie Ringer of Austin, TX; Sharon Crenshaw of Muldoon, TX; Lynette Carter-Stiggers of San Antonio, TX; Yvette Keno of San Antonio, TX; Brother-in-Love Laywon Boatner of Pflugerville, Tx and Sister-in-Love Clara Crenshaw of Los Angeles, CA. She was a devoted wife to the late Joyce Robert Henderson for 53 years and from that union, she leaves 5 Children, 10 grandchildren, 15 Great Grandchildren, Bugzy, her faithful companion in life and a host of family and friends to cherish her memory.

Children: Sharon V. Houseman, Joycelyn R. Henderson-Breaux, Meta Joy Thomas, Christina D. Moore and Stacy K. Henderson (Judy). Grandchildren: Tia Lockett (Chloe), Jennifer Roberson, Jonell Lewis (Christopher Sr.), Kathy Stewart, Nicole Cooper (Damani), Veronica Curry (Rocky), Adam Stewart, Marcellus Henderson (Anicet), Morgan Williams and Leamon Moore, Jr. Great Grandchildren: Donovan Evans, Kaelyn Nunerley, Janea Lewis, Christian Hancock, Madison Evans, Jeryiah Lewis, Kahli Curry, Sacha Bennett, Kamryn Hancock, Christopher Lewis Jr., Maysen Lewis, Zayyan Cooper, Vincent Moore, Sora Henderson and Zanai Williams.

Gladys was preceded in death and welcomed home by her parents, husband and brothers: Willard Crenshaw, Carl and Charles (the twins) Crenshaw, and 3 sons-in-law, Rodney Wiliams, Shannon Houseman and Jeffrey Thomas.

Gladys was affectionately called “Jack” by her mother and was known in high school as “Jackie”. She later legally changed her name to Gladys, honoring her mother’s sister, “Aunt Gladys”, her favorite aunt.

Gladys was exceptionally smart, an avid reader and natural teacher. She shared her love of reading with her children not only through books, but also in the types of family games and activities she engaged them in. Their memories of the things she taught them varies, but they could all agree, Scrabble was at the top of that list. She was a devoted wife and mother, although somewhat of an introvert, she loved to travel. Being a military spouse allowed her the opportunity to meet new people and experience life to the fullest. One of her favorite experiences was to visit the casino as often as she could. She was one lucky, no, BLESSED Lady when it came to the slots. She and her late husband enjoyed camping and fishing during their travels, she had so many stories to tell of their adventures together. She was very creative and loved doing various crafts. She especially enjoyed crocheting, needlepoint and knitting. At any given time, you would find her working on a puzzle, doing crosswords, word finds or anything that challenged her intellectually. She was an amazing cook and knew all her recipes by memory; most of which were her dad’s recipes and she prepared them often. As her memory began to fade, she made it a point to start writing them down so they could be shared with her family. FAMILY was very important to her. Gladys loved all sports, especially football. She never missed a sporting event that a member of her family participated in, if possible. She was a die-hard Dallas Cowboy fan and on any given Sunday, you would find her in front of the television watching. So much so, Dad would often fuss about all the attention she gave to watching sports. How is that for a couple’s twist! FAMILY was very near and dear to her heart. You could show her an old photo of someone, she would know exactly who it was, as well as give you the history of that person and their place in the FAMILY tree. Even when her memory of many topics began to fade, you could count on her to remember a face in a picture.

Gladys retired from the Internal Revenue Service as a Tax Examiner and the Department of Public Safety as a Clerk after serving over 25 years combined. We can all agree, Gladys, like Paul in II Timothy 4:7, fought the good fight, she has finished the race, she has kept the faith. Gladys spent her final days in her home in Lufkin, Texas with her beloved companion Bugzy by her side. HE understood the assignment. Well done, Mom…. Well Done!

A visitation for Gladys will be held Thursday, January 11, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660. A funeral service will occur Friday, January 12, 2024 at 1:00 p.m., 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660. A committal service will occur Friday, January 12, 2024 at 3:00 p.m., at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home & Cemetery, 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660.