Robert "BOB" Henderson

Life's Reflections:

     Robert C. “Bob” Henderson was born on March 7, 1934 to the late Nathan Collins and Mary Ferrell.  He was called home on January 27, 2023.  He came from a loving family having 6 brothers and 3 sisters.  He touched all with his warm smile and embrace.  

     Born in Jasper Mississippi, Bob witnessed incredible changes to this world.  Those proverbial lessons were permeated not only in word but also in deed.  Bob accepted Jesus Christ at an early age.  His deep faith in God resins in us now; there is always something you can do about any situation, even if all you can do is pray.  Growing up his mother reinforced in him and his siblings that everything can be fixed if you have faith.  

    In 1957, Bob married Minola O’Neal.  In 1962, with three young children, they moved to Michigan City, Indiana.  They soon added five additional children.  The children were raised in the Christian faith and instilled with virtues of humility, respect, and charity.  Bob worked at Pullman Standard Co. as a railroad boxcar assembler until the factory unfortunately burned down in 1973.  Bob then worked as a steel worker and right before retirement he was as a custodian for the Michigan City Area School system.    

     Bob and Minola divorced.  In 1980, Bob wed in holy matrimony Florece Ashley-Mitchell.  Both their families grew exponentially.  With Bob’s eight children and Florece’s ten, they added more love to the mix of things.   

 Bob was a long-time active member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Michigan City, IN where he faithfully sung in the choir.  One of Bob’s passions was his love for music.  He sang in the tenor key mostly with The Friendly Six and The Harmoniers gospel groups. Those groups were appropriately named because they shared a bond that was forged with joy, care and love.  To those who were fortunate enough to hear Bob sing, it was obvious to notice that he was in his happy place.   

    Bob leaves to cherish behind his beautiful and devoted wife, Florece Henderson.  His children Dorothy Henderson, Carl Henderson, Bill Henderson, Kenny Henderson, all of IN; Titus Henderson of GA, and Jermain (Elizabeth Henderson) of IA.  His bonus children Marilyn Cain of LA, Penelope (Joseph) Turner and Harriet Mitchell all of IN, Terri (James) McGaston and Artillis Mitchell all of WI, and Ezzrad (Cheryl) Mitchell of MO.  His siblings: William (Vivian) Walker of OH, Tom (Carol) Collins of IA, Clara Ashley, Georgia (Frank) Lewis and Sis-In-Law Josephine Walker all of IN.  

 Preceded in death are his parents: Nathan Collins and Mary Ferrell; His children: Theodis Henderson and Robin Henderson; His bonus children: Anthony Mitchell, Floyd Mitchell Jr., Nathaniel Mitchell and Leslie Mitchell. His siblings: Leodis Collins, John Walker, Roosevelt Walker, Nathan Collins and Lorene Briggs.  

A Celebration of life will be Friday, February 10, 2023 at 11am, at Redeemed Fellowship with Pastor L. David Ashley Sr. to do Eulogy.

Viewing will be 10am until time of service at the Church.

Interment to follow at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens.

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