Elder Roosevelt Henderson Obituary (1935 - 2017)

Elder Roosevelt Henderson, 81, peacefully entered into God's arms on Monday, February 27, 2017 at his home in Texas City, TX surrounded by his loving family. Elder Henderson was born on Monday, July 8, 1935 in Wharton County, TX to the late Beatrice Allman Henderson and Johnnie Henderson, Sr. Roosevelt was affectionately called "Ro" or "Ro Ro." He attended school in Wharton County, TX. After graduating he moved to Texas City, TX in 1955 where he continued his education receiving Certification and becoming one of the First Black General Contractors in Galveston County, TX. He was employed in various capacities by the City of Texas City. He met and married "the love of his life", Vassie Valerie Bailey in 1959 and they remained married until her death. Roosevelt confessed Christ at an early age and became a member of the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Wharton County, TX. After moving to Texas City, TX he united with the Greater Barbour's Chapel Baptist Church where he remained a faithful member for sixty-two years. He demonstrated servant leadership in his many roles at the church served as a Church Elder, Chairman Trustees, President of Male Chorus, member of the Brotherhood, Sr. Choir, Sunday School and the Men's Usher Board. Roosevelt took pride in being the church carpenter, plumber and handyman. He devoted his entire life to his family civic and community affiliations. In the 60's he joined his brother Johnnie Henderson and others in the in the civil rights movement. He participated in marches, non-violent protests, boycotts and sit-ins with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jessie Jackson and others; He was a life member of the Mainland Branch NAACP #6201 serving as the President; President of A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI) and a member of Texas AFLCIO and many others organizations where he received many awards and recognitions. His beautiful memories and legacy will be cherished by family members, his church family, the community, national, state and local officials. Roosevelt Henderson's children: Leonard Jobie Phillips, Sr. (Jody) and Minner "Johnnie Joe" Ford; godchildren, Vanessa Sherwood Riles and Bobby Henderson; grandchildren, Leslie Hudson (Herbert), Jobi M. Phillips, Leonard Jobie Phillips, Jr. and Adryalla Watson; 7 great-grandchildren; a loving and special sister, Pauline Henderson Williams; sister-in-law, Darlene Henderson; nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Family members awaiting to welcome him to his new heavenly home are: wife, Vassie Valerie Henderson; parents, Beatrice and Johnnie Henderson Sr.; siblings, Andrew, Johnnie Jr., James and Frank Henderson, Ethel Kimble, Ruth Sullivan, and Gertrude Craddock. Elder Roosevelt Henderson will lie in state Friday, March 3, 2017 beginning at 4:00PM followed by A Commemorative Life Service Friday, March 3, 2017 at 7:00 PM. The Worship Service Celebrating His Life and Service will be Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 11:00 AM. Both Services will be held at Greater Barbours' Chapel Baptist Church 7420 FM 1765 Texas City, TX 77591. Elder Henderson will be interred with his wife Vassie in the Mainland Memorial Cemetery, Hitchcock, TX. Pastor Andrew W. Berry will officiate the Services. In lieu of flowers the family is asking that contributions be made to the Mainland NAACP Scholarship Fund. Additional memorials may be sent to Carnes Funeral Home 3100 Gulf Freeway Texas City, TX 77591.