Mrs. Florence B Henderson

Florence Effie Brown Henderson, of Spring Lake, NC, daughter Of the late Wille Brown and Emma Brown was born on January 15, 1933, and transitioned to her final resting place on December 19, 2022, at the age of 89. Florence was predeceased by her late Husband Robert L. Henderson who fought gallantly while in the U.S. Army and met his demise while serving in Vietnam, a sister, an Aunt Annie Bomar and her grandson Reginald Henderson son of Leslie Henderson. Born and raised in Florence South Carolina, Florence graduated from Wilson Senior High, in Florence, SC, where she excelled academically and athletically. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education in 1965, while at Fayetteville State Teacher’s College, now Fayetteville State University, where she prided herself being a “Bronco for Life!”. Thereafter, she earned her teaching certificate and began teaching at Johnsonville Middle School, Cameron, NC; later transferring to Erwin Middle School, Dunn, NC. Following many years of disciplined and dependable instruction, she decided to go into retirement after 28 years of teaching. Florence continued with her never ending thirst for education and completed numerous studies becoming a bona fide “Lifelong Learner.” All while being widowed and raising two children, to whom she taught valuable lessons in all aspects of life, her children were the love of her life and that never wavered. All while obtaining higher degrees in education, completing her Master of Science degree from North Carolina Central in 1971, and acquiring a Criminal justice degree from Shaw University in 1981. Given her athletic acumen, she began to take up bowling, and bowled for many years at Ft. Bragg Main Post Bowling Lanes and later hitting all the bowling circuits in Fayetteville and outside of the state. Florence excelled breaking many records, competing in tournaments as well as the North Carolina Senior Games for Bowling. There, she won three gold medals to her great achievement. She bowled long until her senior years, only to put her bowling ball down 6 years ago. To her tribute countless awards, plagues and trophies, Florence became the only African American woman to be inducted into the North Carolina “Women’s Bowling Hall of Fame!”. She was a very independent and strong woman who loved her many dogs over the years, reading a good book, playing card games with her dear and devoted friends, and playing tables at any casino that offered her a good time, while traveling with her son and daughter-in-law. Florence knew the “Lord” and his teachings, she traveled the world, led a good and full life with a lifetime legacy of no regrets. Surviving to cherish her memories are her loyal and loving son Robert (Bobby), wife (Delores), grandson (Robert) all of Fayetteville, NC and devoted daughter Leslie Henderson of Clinton, MD. To include many dedicated friends who were always there for her over the years.

Mrs. Florence B Henderson

January 15, 1933 - December 19, 2022