William Edward Henderson

CELEBRATING THE LIFE & LEGACY Of

William Edward Henderson, Jr.

The Story of a Loving Husband, Father, Son, Relative, Church Member, Singer,

Friend & Colleague

William Edward Henderson, Jr., also acknowledged as “Chief and Ed,”  was born on January 17, 1935, in Huntersville, North Carolina. “Hollywood” is the nickname that perhaps best describes him. When Ed entered a room, you immediately felt the presence of a proud, intellectual, spiritual, confident, cool, debonair, and sharply dressed black man. He was a man of color, a man of distinction who was blessed with a powerful singing voice that could warm the hearts of all.

William was one of nine children and the son of the late William Edward Henderson and Ona Pharr Henderson. He gained his wings and gladly took his heavenly flight on Thursday, March 12, 2020, at Mercy Hospital in Charlotte, NC. On January 6, 2020, his loving and beautiful wife, Sarah Irby Morrow Henderson, proudly gained her wings and gladly took her heavenly flight at the same hospital. These two lovely people were destined to be together.

William grew up, attended, and graduated from public school in Huntersville, NC. After living in Huntersville most of his young life, he moved to Charlotte, NC, and was employed as a Truck Driver for Yellow Freight Company.

William married the late Sara Mae Shell Henderson. Together they had a smart, beautiful, strong, loving, and caring daughter Priscilla Henderson. In 1967 Sara Mae Shell Henderson proudly gained her Heavenly Wings.

On December 9. 1969, William Edward Henderson, Jr. proudly married Sarah Irby Morrow Henderson. Together they became the proud parents of four beautiful children, Pamela, Debra, Priscilla, & Thomas. William was an admirable provider and was exceedingly cherished and loved.

William was a faithful servant at Olive Missionary Baptist Church. He has sung on the Auxiliary Choir, Mass Choir, and  Men’s Choir. He loved to sing, and often he led the Church Choir in the singing an old African American Spirituals.

William owned and operated a janitorial company for several years. William’s passion and commitment to helping others led him to A1 Wheel Chair Service, where he would later retire. He thoroughly enjoyed lending a helping hand and making sure that his patients got to where they needed to be safely and on time. William enjoyed fishing and going on excursions with family and friends. He loved all sports, especially basketball, football, and golf.

In addition to those listed above, William was preceded in death by his children, Minister Pamela Morrow Dixon, Debra Morrow, Thomas D. Morrow, William E Henderson, an adopted son, Johnny Walker, brothers, Will Henderson, Leo Henderson, Herman Moore and Thomas Creven Henderson Moore, his three sisters, Armetta H. Monteith, Ruth H. Hetney and Perry H. Morrison.

He leaves to cherish his memory, daughters, Priscilla H. Wawa, Edwina Henderson, son, Jermaine H. Smith, adopted son, Will Reed (Lavern), son-in-law, John Dixon, brother and sister-in-laws, Katie Henderson, David Irby (Jessie), Curtis Irby and James (Frank) Irby, five granddaughters, Dearrine Morrow, Jaren Dixon, Fanisha Watson, Ci’Era Thompson and Tamara Olive, five grandsons, Jerton Dixon, Darin Morrow, Gabriel WaWa, Michael Brown (Brittny), Danny Fisher, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other beloved relatives and friends.