Gene K. Henderson, a much loved mother and wonderful Southern lady, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama passed away on Monday, February 14, 2022, at Forest Manor Rehabilitation Facility. How appropriate that a woman so loved and so filled with love for her family and friends should die on a day celebrating love!
She was preceded in death by her husband William (Billy) Henderson and her parents, Margaret and Tom Koster.
She is survived by daughters, Gene H. Wilson (Cal) of Tuscaloosa, Jan H. Staggs (Tommy) of Ft Walton Beach, FL, Becky H. Strickland (Ken) 0f Tuscaloosa, and son Bill Henderson (Linda) of Brewton, Alabama. Also surviving her are two sisters, Margaret K. Findley of Tuscaloosa and Ivy S. Koster of Memphis, Tennessee, six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and many other special nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Genie Rebecca Koster or Gene as she was most often called was born on July 13, 1925, and was raised in Northport, AL. She was always very proud of her Northport heritage, even when she crossed the river to attend Tuscaloosa High. She was proud graduate of the University of Alabama, and as the wife of a coach and game official and the mother, grandmother, and great grandmother of participants in many sports, she was truly an avid sports fan, especially for the Crimson Tide. She felt it never hurt to send up a little prayer at half time for a better second half! She was a long time faithful and active member of the First United Methodist Church of Tuscaloosa, the Lee Class, the UMW and several church circles. Reading her Guideposts Daily Devotion, the Upper Room, and her Bible were all a part of what her children affectionately called the nightly "Ritual". Other organizations and groups to which she belonged were the Alpha Gamma Delta Alumnae Chapter, Astra Study Club, the Colonial Dames, and the Muses.
Listening ears, an open door, a place at the table, and a loving heart are words that so aptly describe the special person she was to not only her children and their friends, but to all those with whom she came in contact. One of her daughters called her "Top Shelf", not for any liquor she drank for she was a lady of the grape, but because she wanted the best for everybody. Many times we, her children and grandchildren, fell short of those expectations but she kept on loving and encouraging us in spite of our mistakes.
A graveside service will be held on February 16, 2022 at 11:00 am at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park with Heritage Chapel Funeral Home & Cremations a Dignity Memorial Provider directing.
If you choose to honor her memory, the family requests that donations be made to either the Organ Fund at the First United Methodist Church, 800 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401, or to the William and Gene Henderson Endowed Scholarship at the University of Alabama, Box 870122, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401-0122.
Condolences may be offered at www.HeritageChapelTuscaloosa.com
