“ I see where we ’ ve come from as a people , but I know we have farther to go ,” Henderson said . “ My desire is that leaders and pastors can come together . If we as leaders can do that , it filters down to the congregations of the different churches .”
The church kept in step with new technologies and ways of sharing the gospel and in Henderson ’ s years as pastor at COTLG , the church constructed a Family Life Center - a gathering place for special events , brought high-speed internet capabilities to the infrastructure , and installed a microphone system in the sanctuary .
On October 16 , 2022 , the church dedicated the gym in her name as the Eldress Mary Henderson Family Life Center , as they want to honor God for the gift He gave the church by honoring Henderson .
Henderson saw the value of education , even though hers stopped at Fisher High School . “ I don ’ t have a college education ,” she said , “ But God put so many people around me who love Jesus and are willing to do the ministry . It gives me an opportunity to see a different array of people every week . It ’ s my desire that each one be ministered to in the way that they need it .”
In addition to being a pastor and her various work with non-profit organizations , she commissioned The Good NEWS Children where she mentored other pastors on spiritual health and ministry .
Community was something that was very important to her and over the years , Henderson blessed many organizations with her servant ’ s heart . Other organizations she was affiliated with include , Athens Race Task Force , Henderson County Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance , NAACP-Building Athens Together , Athens Ministerial Alliance , March for Jesus , East Texas Medical Center Chaplain , Athens ISD Crime Fighters and a host of other committees and boards .
In January 2022 , after being nominated by the community and voted on by previous winners , Henderson was announced as the 2021 Athens Chamber of Commerce ’ s Citizen of the Year and was presented the award by her parishioner Freddie Paul , Athens ’ Citizen of the Year 2019 .
“ She is a jewel ,” Steve Barksdale , a previous COTY Award winner , said . “ This is a great honor bestowed on people and there are so many people that deserve it . It is always a joy to see them recognized .”
Henderson was also honored as a Top Lady of Distinction and Preached Word Adult Female of the Year and was also among the first class of graduates to receive a Certificate of Ministry from East Texas Baptist University in partnership with Helping Hands Ministry and the General Assembly Church of the Living God .
In a Letter to the Athens Daily Review Editor , Henderson ’ s family extended a special
“ Thank you to everyone who helped to bring support and comfort as we celebrated the life and legacy of our beloved wife , mother and pastor , Eldress Mary Henderson . From the flowers you sent , to the food you brought ; our hearts are overwhelmed with gratitude . We read every card you mailed and relished in each visitation we shared . We felt your love with every hug you gave and each prayer you prayed . We are truly lost for words of thanks as this community has poured out so much support during this most difficult time . Pastor Henderson touched the lives of countless people and now your generosity has touched ours .”
Pastor Henderson touched the lives of countless people …
Greater Athens Magazine | February 2023 | 11