She said her goal was to serve the community .
After graduation , she received her beautician license from Sweats Beauty School . Henderson was an avid reader and writer and later went on to complete a Certificate in Ministry from East Texas Baptist University .
She started attending the COTLG in 1965 shortly after marrying her husband , Tom , who was a member there . On June 29 , 2022 , Mary and her husband Tom , celebrated 59 years of marriage and their daughter , Colletta described them as a “ prime example of what God can do if only you keep Him first .” The two also had a daughter , Shelba , and son , Ken .
Tom had graduated from Prairie View A & M , but couldn ’ t get a job in the teaching field . Instead , he went to work reading meters for the Lone Star Gas Company and this job took the family away from Athens for a while .
“ When we came back , he was the manager of the Lone Star Gas Company in Athens ,” Henderson said . “ Everywhere we went , we were blessed with each place .” Henderson , who possessed a powerful voice , would sing and help in Sunday school no matter where they lived .
Later , she worked as a bookkeeper and was First National Bank of Athens ’ first African American teller and then supervisor .
As her love for Christ grew , so did her courage and boldness to proclaim the gospel . She accepted her calling to ministry under the leadership of Bishop C . C . Berry Jr . in 1984 . In 1995 , Henderson was elected as the first female pastor of that congregation and one of few female pastors to this day in Athens and Henderson County .
During her tenure as senior pastor , the church thrived in membership and she was also affectionately known as a spiritual mother to countless pastors , ministers and laymen .
Henderson said her favorite part of her work at the church was interacting with the people in the church and in the community . She said her goal was to serve the community , especially the youth , and she guided the church in that direction .
The City of Athens was presented a Municipal Excellence Award for work to complete the Memorial Legacy Wall to honor students who attended Blackshear , Fisher , and Bishop Heights schools during segregation . ( Courtesy photo )
10 | Greater Athens Magazine | February 2023