House Resolution 40

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF REVEREND ISSAC HENDERSON AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, "To everything there is a season, and time to every purpose under the Heaven," and as such, the grand architect of the universe, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny, has summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved Reverend Issac Henderson to eternal rest, as he has made life's final transition from earthly travailing to heavenly reward, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi and many local communities lost a wonderful friend, community leader, Christian and church leader on Saturday, February 14, 2015, with the passing of Reverend Henderson, who was born on July 24, 1950, in Raymond, Mississippi, to the late A.J. and Georgia Hunter Henderson; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Henderson accepted Christ as his Savior and was baptized at an early age at New Jerusalem M.B. Church in Raymond, which was under the leadership of Reverend Robert Jones; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Henderson served on the deacon board until the Lord touched him and called him into the ministry in 1975 to go into the world and preach the gospel, and having been ordained in 1976, Reverend Henderson faithfully and loyally served for 39 years; and

WHEREAS, in order to further his education and theological knowledge, Reverend Henderson attended McKinley Theological Institute, Mississippi Baptist Seminary and Natchez Junior College; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Henderson was united in holy matrimony with Theresa Foster Davis, and became the loving and caring father to Linda F. Davis, Sherry A. Davis and Terry A. Davis, and Theresa became a mother to Gladys, Issac, Jr., and Margaret; and

WHEREAS, even though preaching the word of God was Reverend Henderson's first priority, he reveled in other aspects of church life, including being the lead singer for ten years with the Southern Tones Gospel Group, booking manager for the Gospel Invaders of Bolton, Mississippi, and lead singer and musician with the Silvertones of Raymond, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, with the hope of finding better employment opportunities, Reverend Henderson moved to Vicksburg, Mississippi, where he became a certified welder at Marathon Big River Shipbuilders and worked for Berryman Construction and Yates Construction until his health began to fail; and

WHEREAS, after moving to Vicksburg, Reverend Henderson was first united with Cool Springs M.B. Church, then in 1982 he relocated and united with East Mount Olive M.B. Church in Red Lick, Mississippi, where he served as the assistant pastor until 1983 and was elected pastor in 1985, serving until 2006; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Henderson took an active role in many different churches so that he could spread the word of God to the ends of the earth, his roles included: being the former pastor of Spring Hill M.B. Church in Vicksburg; most recently, serving as pastor at Pleasant Grove M.B. Church in Edwards, Mississippi; being an active member and musician of Clover Valley M.B. Church in Vicksburg; serving as 2nd Vice President and musician for the Jefferson County Missionary Baptist Association; and being active in the State and National Convention; and

WHEREAS, though he has traversed the river of life to reunite with those who answered God's summons to life eternal and now beckon his arrival to the celestial shores of Heaven's grandeur, including his parents, a daughter and five siblings, the legacy of Reverend Henderson will continue to refresh his beloved survivors: devoted wife, Theresa; children, Gladys Copper, Margaret Henderson, Linda F. Davis, Sherry Carradine, and Issac Henderson, Jr.; thirteen grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to acknowledge the selfless and genteel nature of an individual of the esteemed caliber as that of Reverend Henderson:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commend the life and legacy of Reverend Issac Henderson and extend sincere and deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Reverend Issac Henderson and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.