Lora Gurney Henderson

Lora Gurney Henderson, beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2023, in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 78. Lora was born on January 3, 1945, in Cheverly, Maryland, to John Orson Gurney and Adele Konopka Gurney. She was preceded in death by her parents and her older brother, John Orson Gurney, Junior.

Lora was a patient, kind, and loving Catholic woman who dedicated her life to her family. She is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years, John Benjamin Henderson II, her daughter, Janet Henderson Lorenz and son-in-law, Steven, residing in San Antonio, Texas; and her son, David Allen Henderson and daughter-in-law, Margaret, residing in Richardson, Texas. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Colby William Lorenz and Caitlin Lora Lorenz, both of Houston, Texas, and Quinton John Lorenz. Lora's sister, Martha Gurney, of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, and her wife, Polly Teti, also mourn her loss.

Lora received her education at Cheverly Tuxedo Elementary School, Bladensburg Junior High School, and Regina High School (class of 1962) and went on to pursue higher education at the University of Maryland in College Park (class of 1966). At Regina, Lora participated on the Basketball team, Science Club, Pep Club and Horseback Riding Club. She met her future husband, Johnny, at a high school CYO dance at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church in Riverdale, Maryland. At the University of Maryland, Lora majored in Elementary Education and was active in the Alpha Delta Pi sorority, served as the ADP Treasurer, and was involved in the Newman Club, the Student National Education Association, the Frosh Prom Committee, played Intramural Sports, was a Dorm Big Sister, and on the Dean’s List.

Lora was married at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Cheverly on June 25, 1966 to John Benjamin Henderson II of Hyattsville, Maryland. Following her studies, she embarked on a fulfilling career in Education. Lora taught in the Baltimore City school system in the late 1960s and in Glen Burnie, Maryland before relocating to Houston, Texas in 1981 with her husband. She served as a substitute teacher at Holub Middle School and Kerr High School in Houston for many years.

Lora enjoyed volunteering in the community, especially in her children’s schools, as well as for Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. She was a Brownie Cookie Mom and she helped organized David’s Eagle Scout Project. Beyond her professional life and her family, Lora had a passion for reading and animals. She found solace and joy in the company of books and took pride in rescuing animals. Lora's love for volunteering, literature and animals was a testament to her compassionate nature.

A private celebration of life will be held for family members at a later date to honor Lora's memory. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in her memory to the American Cancer Society or your local animal shelter. These charitable contributions will ensure that Lora's legacy of care and kindness lives on.

Lora Henderson will forever be remembered as a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend. Her gentle spirit and unwavering devotion to her family will be deeply missed. May her soul rest in eternal peace.