Martha Bailey Henderson

March 13, 1938 - June 12, 2016

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Martha Bailey Henderson was received into the arms of our Lord Jesus on Sunday, June 12, 2016 after a long illness. She was 78 years old. Martha was born March 13, 1938 in Abilene, Texas to Thomas Jefferson (T.J.) and Jewel Roach Bailey. Martha married John Lee Henderson, Jr. in 1956. They raised two children in Ozona, Texas, also living a short time in San Angelo, Texas.

Martha was a charter member of the Ozona Women’s League and a member of the Ozona United Methodist Church. She led the Methodist Youth Fellowship program for several years there. In 1970 Martha accepted a position as an 8th grade home economics teacher in a two-year pilot program for the Crockett County School District. Even though she did not hold a college degree, her natural born talents in all aspects of homemaking proved sufficient for the job. This effort ultimately led to an established HE middle school program in Crockett County.

As a wife and mother, Martha devoted herself to homemaking. She spoiled her family daily with delicious home cooking and special treats, which included “lionwiches” for her daughter’s band trips. And there was usually at least one orphaned animal in the backyard that she was nursing to maturity. Martha’s greatest joy in these years was participating in the extracurricular activities of her son and daughter. Over the years Martha also spent many enjoyable hours at the bridge table with family and friends.

Martha was associated with Frost Brothers Department Store in San Antonio, Texas for over 10 years, most of those as a bridal consultant. She had a good eye for fashion and enjoyed helping young women plan their trousseaus, but her gift of gab was the key to her success in clothing sales.

In later years Martha discovered Seabourn Cruise Lines. For many years taking cruises was her passion. If she wasn’t on a cruise, she was planning her next. She made many wonderful friends from around the world and always came home with a plethora of stories.

So many have described her as “one of a kind.” She was truly authentic. She got great joy from giving. Whether a homemade gift or an eBay treasure, if you were on the receiving end, it was sure to be a “surprise.” She was a great storyteller and delivered her monologues with perfect pauses and unique expressions. Her quick wit always guaranteed a laugh. “Honey” adored her six grandchildren and spent many hours creating outrageous gifts and activities for their entertainment.

Martha’s great grandfather Ambrose Roach was an Irish immigrant. He and his wife, Mattie, settled in Schleicher County in the late 1800s. Martha was very proud of her Irish heritage and stayed connected to relatives in Ireland her entire life. Martha returned to her family’s roots in the 1990s and enjoyed many years in the sweet community of Eldorado, Texas. Although a world traveler, she loved the small town life and the simplicity associated with it. She knew no stranger and connected easily to all ages.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her daughter, Virginia Howell and husband, John, of Eldorado, Tx. and her son, John L. Henderson, III and wife, Jeannine of Ozona, Tx; a brother, Joe Bailey and Debbie Hartgrove of San Angelo; granddaughters, Jenna Penner and husband, Mark and Julia Schwartz and husband, Jake; grandsons, Drew, Ross, Stuart and Will Howell. Martha was blessed to become a great grandmother in the past year to Chase Penner and Jadon Schwartz. She is also survived by nephew, Kevin Bailey and wife, Vera, and their daughter, Bianca; cousins Marinell Swope and Tom Roach.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Martha’s special friends and caregivers, Hortencia Garza, Daniel Martinez and Lenore Garza who tirelessly gave much time and energy to her comfort. Also to Drs. Pajestka and Burt and Monica Kessler, PA and all their medical staff.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 16, 2016, in the Cedar Hill Cemetery in Ozona. A memorial service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Eldorado.

Pallbearers are Drew Howell, Ross Howell, Stuart Howell, Will Howell, Mark Penner, Jake Schwartz and Daniel Martinez. Honorary Pallbearers are David Doran, Bob Johnson, Rico Forlano, Bernay Sheffield, Jerry Perry, George Bunger, Edward Lent and Fred Van Shoubrouek.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Eldorado Woolen Mills or Concho Valley PAWS.