Ms. Patricia Jean ("Pat") Henderson

Reflections of Her Journey

Patricia “Pat” Jean Henderson was born to the union of Fred Henderson and Amelia Ludd Henderson on February 27, 1951, in St. Louis, Missouri. She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings Amos “Shorty”, Orelia “Too Baby” and Deborah, and one grandson DeAnthony.

Pat accepted Christ at the young age of eight years old under the leadership of the late Dr. Herman Dreer at Kingsway Baptist Church. Pat received her formal education in the St. Louis Public School System by attending Cole Elementary, and was a part of the first graduating class of Stevens Middle School. She was a proud alumnus of Sumner High School as a member of the graduating class of 1969. Go Bulldogs!! She later enrolled and obtained her Associates Degree from Forest Park Community College in Education.

In 1969, she met Herbert “Mike” Ford and together they had three children, one son and two daughters. Her devotion to her children was exceptional. She received many “Parent of the Year” awards from the schools in which her children attended and in 2016 she received her first “Grandmother of the Year” Award.  

Pat was employed with the Missouri Department of Revenue for a little over 33 years. She began working in the mailroom as a mail clerk in 1972. She displayed a lot of hard work, dedication and commitment for which she was promoted to administrative assistant. Within a short time, she was promoted again to become a full revenue agent and “Tax Lady 227” materialized. As a full-time revenue agent, she also held two additional part-time jobs to ensure all of her children’s needs were met. She retired from the Department of Revenue in 2005. 

During her retirement, she enjoyed her casino trips and slot machine relaxation time. She later became office manager for St. Peter AME church from 2013 -2018 under the leadership of Rev. Joseph Nixon and Rev. Steven Shephard.

Pat was known to be the life of the party. Her smile, laughter and jokes made her so much fun to be around. She was a pure ball of energy and fun (especially if she had a microphone). She loved a good party along with a good twirl on the dance floor. 

Pat was always available and ready to help any and everyone. She never bragged or discussed how she “silently” moved to be of assistance if she could. As far as she was concerned, “you did it all on your own”. 

Pat left this world on February 3, 2023, after a battle with cancer. It would be difficult to say that Pat lost her battle because she never stopped fighting. No matter how sick she was, she was determined to win.  She remained strong. Because of her, her children and grandchildren know what perseverance and resilience truly look like. 

She leaves to cherish her memory one son, Fred (Alma) Henderson, two daughters Crystal Henderson, and Candace Henderson; one brother Fred (Gloria) Henderson, Jr., and one sister Peggy Ann Cox; six grandsons Fred (Nesha) Crump, Javier Crump, Chad (Asia) Henderson, CarVone Henderson, IsaiahHenderson, and Cameron Glass; four granddaughters Chellsey Henderson, De Shay (DeQuan) Belton, Tomika Meadows and Camelia Henderson; eight great-grandchildren; best friend of over 50 years Carolyn O’Bryant; close friend Sharon Coney; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews , special “adopted” daughters and sons, and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ms. Patricia Jean ("Pat") Henderson, please visit our floral store.