Myra Elizabeth Maddox Henderson

Myra Elizabeth Maddox Henderson, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away at her home in Enterprise, Alabama surrounded by her family on October 15, 2018. Keeping a promise she made 60 years ago, she remained faithful to her devoted spouse and best friend, Jimmy Henderson, until death alone would part them. She was 79 years old. The family will receive friends Wednesday, October 17th from 10:00 -11:00 a.m. at Searcy Funeral Home with a family graveside service to follow at Meadowlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hillcrest Baptist Church. Born July 14, 1939, at home, in rural Coffee County, Myra was the fifth of seven children of James Waitus and Susie Byrd Maddox. She was raised in a family of educators and after her own children were both enrolled in school, Myra took the initiative to complete her college education at Troy State University. She was immediately hired at College Street Elementary School where she taught hundreds of second graders over the next 25 years in the same classroom. Long after her retirement, Myra would receive calls, cards, and visits from former students who wanted to thank her for her belief in them and her positive influence on their lives. To her grandchildren and great grandchildren, she was “Mommer” and the source of unconditional love and grandmotherly concern. Her words to them each time they would part were as predictable as the sunrise, “I Love you! Be careful!”!   While she had many, many amazing qualities, Myra’s spiritual gifts were most definitely that of caregiver and hospitality for others. The true love of her life was her husband and best friend, Jimmy. From the time of their marriage as the first wedding to be held at Hillcrest Baptist Church in 1958, to her final breath, these two were inseparable. Strengthened by the conviction that God had overwhelmingly blessed them beyond anything they could ask or imagine, this couple spent a lifetime blessing others. Their selflessness and generosity were extended to all whom God placed in their lives. The way they enjoyed and respected each other gave an example to all generations of what a Christ centered marriage looks like. “ She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.’ ” Proverbs 31:27-29 Myra was preceded in death by her parents, James Waitus and Susie Maddox, Grandson Parker Benjamin McQueen, and sister Emma Maddox Swindall. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, James Earl “Jimmy” Henderson, Enterprise, AL; 2 daughters Sherri Henderson Boyd (Ray) and Pam Henderson McQueen (Michael) all of Enterprise, AL; 5 Grandchildren Dallas (Megan) Boyd of Enterprise, Julie Boyd Hallmark (Luke) of Birmingham, Nicholas McQueen (Hannah) of Birmingham, Alex McQueen (Rebecca) of Huntsville, Mitchell McQueen (Breanna) of Enterprise; 3 Great-Grandchildren Townsend Kate Boyd, Baker Flinn Boyd and James Parker McQueen all of Enterprise. The family waits in great anticipation for the arrival this week of Myra’s 4th great-grandchild and namesake Maddox Elizabeth Hallmark. She is also survived by 4 sisters Kate Maddox Hale (Byron) of Albany, GA, Becky Maddox Miller of Birmingham, AL, Sue Maddox Adams of Mobile, AL, Melinda Maddox Hollon (Ken) of Deatsville, AL. ; Brother Mike Maddox (Wanda) of Enterprise; Sister in Law Peggy Henderson Smith of Freeport, FL; Numerous nephews, nieces, and great-nephews and nieces. A very special thanks to Janice Fleming for the love and compassion you showered upon Myra during this journey.   To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Myra Elizabeth Maddox Henderson, please visit our flower store.