Estelle (Lansing) Henderson

Estelle Ordella Holman was born to Rosa Lee Melinda Jenkins Holman and Foster Forest Holman on October 20, 1948 in Birmingham, Alabama. She was the youngest of three siblings.

Estelle graduated from Hooper City High School where she was the head Majorette and class Valedictorian. She later attended Birmingham Southern College and earned her Bachelor's of Art in Music. Soon after, Estelle married Willie Harris and a son, Brandon Wilson came from this union.

In the quest to continue her education, Estelle moved to Michigan to attend Michigan State University. Her hard work and persistence led her to complete a Master's Degree in Music and a Master's Degree in Art with a concentration in Educational Psychology.

Upon completion of her education, Estelle was employed by the Lansing School District where she taught choir and piano for over thirty years. During this time, she married George Henderson and three daughters were born from this union, Ordella Georgette and twins, Rose Melinda and Celia Estelle.

Before retiring in 2005, Estelle gave private piano lessons, was a member of the Earl Nelson Singers, and a long standing member of Trinity A.M.E. Church where she was involved in the music ministry.

Estelle was extremely passionate about family, education, and music. She was more notably known as the Choir and Piano teacher from Dwight Rich. Students perceived her as that teacher that was more of a "Mom" at school. She was not only a source of motivation and encouragement, but also a true supporter that believed every student had the potential to be the best and get the most out of life.

Estelle Ordella Henderson died peacefully on May 3, 2016 at Brookdale of Delta Alzheimer's and Memory Care Facility in Lansing, MI at the age of 67 after a lengthy battle with Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease. She is survived by her four children, Brandon Henderson of Sydney, Australia, Ordella (Elbert) Hawkins of Orlando, Florida, Rose Henderson and Celia Henderson of Lansing, Michigan. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Kailani Joann Hawkins, Mikayla Rose and Malia Rhea Lewis, and Desmond Terrell Ferguson Jr., a sister, Barbara (Odell) Rivers of Birmingham, AL, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Estelle is preceded in death by her husband, George Henderson, her brother Forrest Holman, and parents Foster and Rosa Lee Holman.