Obituary of Rev Dorothy Henderson

Dorothy Lee Fizer-Henderson was born on August 9, 1931 to her loving parents, Green and Alberta Fizer near Belzoni, Mississippi. Dorothy accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Zion Traveler Baptist Church near Belzoni. She later migrated to Los Angeles where she continued her education. Dorothy had a very special relationship with her brother Eddie Green Fizer (EG – preceded in death), and his nick name for her was “kiddo”, as well as her sisters Bessie White (preceded in death), Johnnie (Doll) Harris (preceded in death) and Willa (Sweet) Reese. To this day Sweet would often say that Dorothy was the best child that her mother had. Dorothy attended and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School 9/1947 to 6/1949; attended Los Angeles City College 9/1949 to 6/1951, where she received an AA degree in Pre-Nursing; attended Los Angeles County General Hospital School of Nursing, 8/1951 to 8/1954, where she received a Nursing diploma; attended University of Southern California, 2/1952 to 9/1956, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing; attended California State University Los Angeles, completed in 9/1980 and obtained a Master of Science in Nursing; after retiring from VA Medical Long Beach, Dorothy studied courses and obtained a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Christian Counseling. The birth of 926 Ministry Christian Counseling was unveiled shortly thereafter, where Dorothy’s aim was to help people regain a sense of hope for their life that is found in Jesus Christ. Dorothy, humble and submitted to the call of God on her life, freely and openly embraced her ordination, becoming a Reverend. She continued serving The Lord as the called Woman of God she was diligently ministering to people by sharing The Gospel further showing love and compassion to those in need from all walks of life. Dorothy became a member at New Hope Baptist Church and later became a member at Adoram Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Reverend Luther D. Powers. She loved being a member of the Lord’s Army serving in various capacities and positions in the church: Sunday School Teacher, Usher Board Member, Adult Choir and the Financial Officer. Dorothy showed genuine love and concern for each member of the congregation and humanity in general. Dorothy met and married John Henderson Sr (preceded in death) and to this union Eugene (Chip - preceded in death), John, II (Johnny – preceded in death), Janene (Jani) Lynette and Dorene (Dori) Babette (preceded in death) were born. Dorothy loved spending precious moments with her family. As the second oldest sibling, she made absolutely sure she was a good example to each of them by never wavering on her beliefs and by always doing what was morally right. She was such an exceptional individual who possessed such an infectious warm loving and lasting smile passing this indelible gift on to each of her children.

Dorothy loved her chosen profession as a Registered Nurse and began her career in 1954 at Sue Brown Medical Agency, and retired from Veterans Administration Long Beach in 1996, dedicating 42 years within the Nursing field. Giving 100% was a positive attribute in her life instilling this in each of her children, always being a positive member of society, as well as those she came in contact. In 1950, while attending University Southern California (USC), School of Nursing, Dorothy met her very special friend Claudia Dennis-Powers and their friendship flourished over the years. Imagine that, these two girls became the top two students within their class. Claudia was from Texas who had no family in California. Her parents trusted her in the care of Dorothy’s family where she was accepted by becoming an honorary member of the family. They spent countless hours with each of their families building a permanent relationship that their children, to this day, still address each of them as “Aunt” (Aunt Dorothy and Aunt Claudia). During Dorothy’s nursing career, she met Ernestine Fountain, Alpha Brown and Nora Bloomfield, considering the three of them as her good and dear friends, who all preceded her in death. Dorothy leaves to carry on her rich legacy: her daughter Janene Lynette (William); her sister Willa (Sweet) Reese; very special friend Claudia Powers; son-in-law: Nathaniel, Sr.; ten grand-children: Sa’Brina (Troy), Mercedes, Aja, Nakeisha, Sa’Lina (preceded in death), Tristian, Franchessca, Paris, Nathaniel, III and Micah of Los Angeles, California; 16 great grand-children; four God-daughters: Janet Powers-White (Stanley), Ramona Powers, Sylvia Jones all of Los Angeles, California and Monique Brown (Otis) of Anaheim, California; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Prayer ................................................................................... Apostle Danny R. Harris Scripture Reading …………………Old / New Testament ............ Dr. Leroy Shepherd Congregational Song ...Something About the Name Jesus…Kirk Franklin (recording) You Are The Living Word ................ Fred Hammond (recording) Acknowledgements ......................................................................William Johnson, Jr. Praise Dance ……………That’s When You Bless Me ............... Nakiesha Henderson Remarks & Resolution..............................................................Limit 2 Minutes Please Selection …………………“In Times Like These” .............Mahalia Jackson (recording) Obituary.................................................................................... 3 minutes read silently Selection …………………… “My Soul Has Been Anchored” .................. Felicia Coney Eulogy ................................................................................... Apostle Danny R. Harris Internment Inglewood Park Cemetery 720 East Florence Avenue Inglewood, CA 90301 Immediately following







Your smile Though your smile is gone forever and your hand I cannot touch, I still have many memories of the one I loved so much. Your memory is my keepsake, which I’ll never part. God has you in His keeping, and I have you I my heart. Sadly missed, but never forgotten. Your sister, Willa (Sweet) Reese) Thank you for always being a wonderful Grandmother. Your Loving Granddaughter, Nakiesha Ladybug I will miss making lunch for you and scolding you about drinking your juice before you eat. You were a very sweet grandmother. I love you, your great granddaughter, Niya Ladybug was a very nice woman and I miss her and I will miss helping you and getting sugar from you but now you’re in a better place. Lover your great granddaughter, Camry

My ladybug, you got your wings. It’s been a wonderful 28 years with you. Although I will miss you greatly, I am so very glad that you’ve received your new body and are pain free. Love you so much, Paris It has been over 40 years since I've met Ms. Dorothy \"Ladybug\" Henderson. She has always been this sweet, soft-spoken woman. I've never heard anything but kinds words come from her mouth. They say when a Ladybug lands on you, you'll have good fortune and prosperity. Thank you for crossing my path. I aspire to be just like you. Love, Chiquitha You are gone from my sight but not my heart. Love you rest in heaven. Love Ms. Tisha (your care-giver) “LADYBUG” Lovely & well-loved, life-giving and lighthearted, always a Leading Lady. Adored by us all especially her children & grands. Delightfully pleasant, Diplomatic & A True Devout Woman of God. Yielded completely to God & His Will in every aspect of her Earthly life and Endeavors. Beautiful inside outside and Beloved of The Lord Jesus Christ her personal Savior. Understanding & Uniquely compassionate towards any and everyone she came in contact with. Gracious, Graceful & above all: God-fearing, Yes, that’s Our “LADYBUG”!!! Mom Henderson BKA and fondly called “LADYBUG”, I Love You & will definitely miss you oh so Dearly!!! Your Bonus/Destined ‘Dear’ Daughter Johnnie ‘Jackson’ Hayes-Calloway (from another Dorothy & Johnnie) To my beloved 2nd mom. I have been so blessed to have you in my life growing up; although, I haven’t been around as I should have in my adult years. You displayed the same love towards me, as if I came from your womb. I was spanked, chastised, etc. Your heart was unchangeable, and full of kindness, to everyone you came in contact with. There wasn’t a day that I didn’t think of you…sincerely. I will forever be grateful for the memories that I hold in my heart for you. I love you Mom. Your Goddaughter, Sylvia

To my Queen! Goddie thank you for taking me in as one of your children and showing love!! Thank you for the many talks and the advice. And I’ll always remember what you told me and you were right!! I’m going to miss you so much!! I love you so much!! Rest in Paradise Ladybug! Love your Goddaughter, Mona Mother, I appreciate you loving me and chastising me when needed. I will miss our conversations that we would have and will definitely miss your beautiful smile and personality. Love your son in love, William Granny………… My Dear Ladybug My dear Ladybug, as heartbroken as I am…. I thought you leaving this earth and never being able to share more moments and making memories with you would have me inconsolable, but it brings me joy in knowing you lived a life as a saint and follower of the Lord, which has allowed you to be rewarded with the utmost and highest gift, which is eternal salvation. It was an honor to have witness the smile on your face the day you went home to be with the Lord. I can hear the Lord say “Job well done my good and faithful servant”. What do I say for the world’s greatest grandmother? You were always so kind and gentle. You had a heart of gold and always offered support to your family and friends. Your disposition was always sweet with that infamous and infectious smile. Growing up many would say when they saw you, they saw me, as I was referred to as “Little Sis. Henderson”. I will always cherish the many memories we had. I recall you taking me to get my driver’s license, and the many of times, you would pick me up and drop me off for events. When I had the kids, you would come and spend countless hours with us. As this isn’t good bye, but see you later my dear Ladybug… continue to rest well and enjoy time with our family. Love Always Your 1st Grandchild Sa’Brina (or as you named me “Soby” and family (Troy, Khaylin, Khylin Khoy and Milan)

DOROTHY AND I MY NAME IS CLAUDIA DENNIS - POWERS. IN 1950, I TRAVELED FROM TEXAS TO CALIFORNIA TO ATTEND THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (USC), SCHOOL OF NURSING. DOROTHY WAS ONE OF THE FEW AFRICAN - AMERICANS THERE. ON HER FIRST DAY AT USC, SHE WALKED FROM DOOR TO DOOR LOOKING FOR OTHER AFRICAN – AMERICANS, AND THAT IS HOW SHE FOUND ME. MY HUSBAND LUTHER HAD TO CONTINUE TEACHING IN TEXAS TO PAY MY TUITION AT USC. WHEN SHE REALIZED I HAD NO FAMILY OR FRIENDS HERE AND NOWHERE TO GO ON THE WEEKENDS, SHE SAID, “JUST COME HOME WITH ME.” HER FAMILY TOOK ME IN AS THEIR OWN AND MADE ME FEEL SO LOVED. THIS WAS THE START OF AN AMAZING LIFE - LONG FRIENDSHIP. AFTER THAT WE WERE ALWAYS TOGETHER, WORKING HARD AND STUDYING AT SCHOOL. WE TWO AFRICAN – AMERICAN GIRLS GRADUATED AT THE TOP OF OUR CLASS. ON THE WEEKENDS, WE ALSO HAD THE BEST TIME TOURING THE CITY, GOING OUT TO MOVIES, DINNER AND JUST HAVING FUN. ONE OF MY FONDEST MEMORIES WAS AS MARRIED WOMEN, HOW OUR FRIENDSHIP EXTENDED TO OUR HUSBANDS. THE FOUR OF US TOGETHER ON VACATION, AT A RESTAURANT OR JUST TALKING. WE HAD SUCH A GREAT TIME TOGETHER. I COUNT MYSELF BLESSED TO HAVE HAD DOROTHY AS MY BEST FRIEND. SHE SUPPORTED ME WHEN I STRUGGLED, GAVE COMFORT WHEN NEEDED AND CELEBRATED WITH ME IN TIMES OF JOY. DOROTHY, I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU. YOUR FRIEND, CLAUDIA DENNIS POWERS

TRIBUTE TO SISTER DOROTHY HENDERSON 14 CHARACTERISTICS OF A GODLY WOMAN FIRST, THANK YOU TO JANENE HENDERSON JOHNSON FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO WRITE ABOUT AUNT DOROTHY. I HAVE SO MANY GOOD MEMORIES AND INFORMATION TO SHARE, BUT THERE’S SO LITTLE TIME. SO, AS I EDIFY AUNT DOROTHY, I AM GOING TO PRAISE GOD THE FATHER, SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT. BECAUSE SHE LIVED THE LIFE OF A GODLY WOMAN. AND WHILE YOU ARE READING THIS, CHECK YOURSELF BEFORE YOU WRECK YOURSELF. • SHE STUDIED THE WORD OF GOD. • SHE WAS A PRAYER WARRIOR - EVEN AT WORK. SHE WOULD PRAY WITH HER PATIENTS ON HER LUNCH BREAK. THEN SHE WOULD EAT HER LUNCH ON HER WAY HOME. • SHE WAS ALL ABOUT AGAPE LOVE - THE HIGHEST FORM OF LOVE, CHARITY AND THE LOVE OF GOD. • SHE WAS A FORGIVING WOMAN • SHE WAS SELFLESS - CONCERNED MORE WITH THE NEEDS OF OTHERS THAN HERSELF. SHE COMFORTED US EVEN WHEN SHE WAS GRIEVING THE LOST OF HER HUSBAND OR CHILDREN. • HER MINDSET WAS THINKING ON GOOD THINGS AS PRESCRIBED IN THE BIBLE • SHE USED WORDS OF AFFIRMATION, APPRECIATION AND ADMIRATION. REMEMBER THE TONGUE IS ALSO A WEAPON. • SHE WAS A LEADER EVEN AT WORK. SHE WOULD OFTEN STRONGLY ASK THE DOCTOR TO TAKE HER PATIENTS OUT OF MEDICAL TRIALS - IF THE NEW MEDICATIONS WERE HARMING HER PATIENTS. • SHE PRAYED FOR WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING. • SHE WAS RESPECTFUL AND TRUTHFUL. • EVERYWHERE SHE WENT, SHE HAD GODLY PRIORITIES. • SHE WAS CONCERNED ABOUT HER COMMUNITY. • SHE WAS PATIENT - STEADFAST DESPITE DIFFICULTY. • HER HOPE AND JOY WAS BUILT ON JESUS’ BLOOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS. WHEN YOU HAVE TIME, GOOGLE - EMPOWERING SCRIPTURES: FOR A CHRISTIAN LIFE OR FOR WOMEN OR FOR MEN. EVEN THOUGH AUNT DOROTHY HAS LEFT HER EARTHLY HOME TO BE WITH FATHER GOD, HER GODLY WORKS ARE STILL SPEAKING. LET US BE BETTER AND DO BETTER, SO WE WILL SEE HER AGAIN IN HEAVEN. MAY GOD BLESS ALL OF THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF DOROTHY HENDERSON, JANET POWERS - WHITE

Tribute to My Ladybug, My Queen, My Mom… I can speak for all my siblings that have preceded me in death. I miss you terribly. It is so bittersweet, I hate that I miss your beautiful face, smile and sense of humor; but love the fact that you are satisfied, pain free and faced with our maker at the judgement seat. There is no doubt in my mind that He said, Well Done. Your dash spoke for itself, because it was an impeccable dash. I have enjoyed you as my ladybug, and have so many great memories of you. The way you loved us was unconditional. Even when we were wrong, you stressed your dis- satisfaction, but continued to love us, and would say don’t do that ever again. The way you dealt with people, you always remained at the same even keel, even when someone had wronged you. You taught us to turn the other cheek. I’m still in training on that one. You always made sure we had what we needed and desired as children and adults. As a matter of fact, you helped to make sure that everyone in your circle had what they needed and desired. It is so much easier and comforting for me to cope with death from the Biblical aspect – to be absent from the body is to be with the Lord, than the Worldly aspect – ooh, how will I go on without you. Thank you for instilling and introducing my siblings and I to the Lord Jesus Christ at a young age. No matter how far we strayed away, we were encouraged to turn back and seek Him. This made the matters of life easier to deal with and attain goals. I remember those days when you would leave work and attend classes to enable yourself to be the best that you could be and earned the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities in your field, from an AA degree to a PhD. You are who I get my drive from and I thank you for this. Thank you for the strong religious foundation that you gave us. Some people confused my strong will with arrogance. It’s not arrogance as you told me, “it’s just that you know where you come from and that’s fabulous stock”. You always said, that I had your drive, but my dad’s personality (no nonsense). I believe it to be a rather healthy balance. I remember the daily conversations that we had in these last few months before you left to go to your Heavenly home. You drilled me to hurry up and take care of some necessary business, and now I realize that you held on until the mission was accomplished, because four days later you were summoned home. I always knew that I was a handful as a child and as an adult, and I apologized for any problems that I had caused. I remember playing one of my favorite songs for you daily, (Center of my Joy, by Ruben Studdard), and we would sing along together, and would ask me to put the song on. The morning of, I knew it was the time from your actions, or should I say your lack of actions. We had a daily ritual of taking each other’s hand and touching our cheek with the hand, but your hand was extremely cold, and I said, mom I know you know what is going on and I think I do too. Thank you for holding on for me to arrive to talk to you and help usher you to take your mother’s hand since you were chanting her name, the whole time in the paramedics. I thank God for allowing me to talk with you in the paramedics and thanking you for being the best Ladybug (mom) on this side of Heaven and told you I love you deeply and I will continue your legacy and make you proud. I appreciate the connection that we had in the last few months. At 10:55 a.m., I knew you had taken your last breath because I stumbled as I took a deep breath and looked at the clock and said, “Lord my ladybug just took her last breath”. When I arrived, at the hospital, I asked the staff what time did you expire and they told me at 10:55 a.m. I thanked God that you had made it to your Heavenly home. I know you are so happy, and just smiling. Now I must continue to live righteous so that I am ensured that I will see your beautiful infectious smile (that you gave to each of your children) again. Thank you, thank you, thank you my Ladybug, my Queen for being the best Mother on this side of Heaven and just know that I love and miss you. Thank you for all the fabulous memories. Until we meet again beautiful. Rest well. Love your oldest daughter, Janene “Jani” darlin as you called me.





Active Pallbearers Troy Clements Khoy Clements Mervin Douglas Aaron Douglas Nathaniel Noflin, III Tristan Horton, Sr. Honorary Pallbearers Eugene Horton John Henderson, III James Hamilton Jamain Powell Christopher Bullocks, Sr. Ralph Bullocks Donnie Tasker Gerald Williams, Sr. Skye Wade William Johnson Acknowledgements The Family of Dorothy Lee Fizer Henderson (Ladybug) would like to express sincere thanks and gratitude for the acts of kindness and love extended during our time of sorrow. Thank you to the Federal Aviation Administration LER team across the nation and the Los Angeles Airport Police staff for your support of a fellow colleague during our season of bereavement. We acknowledge and appreciate you. Please continue to keep us in your prayers and may God bless each and every one of you both now and always. We also extend an extra special thanks to the staff of Inglewood Cemetery Mortuary, Inglewood Park Cemetery and everyone who showed their love and support during this very emotional time. Services Entrusted to: Inglewood Cemetery Mortuary 3801 W. Manchester Blvd. Inglewood, California 90305 Obituaries by: MACK ENTERPRISES UNLIMITED 323.789.6224