Luedella Henderson (Lansing)

Mrs. LueDella Henderson gained her wings on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at Sparrow Healthcare System in Lansing, Michigan. She was born Tuesday, October 9, 1928, in Covington, Tennessee, the third daughter of Calvin, Lucrecie, and Roxie Hodge. She accepted the Lord at an early age and attended Canaan Grove Baptist Church in Mason, Tennessee.

Throughout her life, she remained steadfast and unmovable in her faith. After moving from Tennessee, she relocated to Saint Louis, Missouri and then on to Lansing, Michigan where she met and married her beloved husband, J.C. Henderson. Shortly after, she began working at Michigan State University (MSU). She retired after more than 25 years of service.

LueDella liked cooking her signature dishes ranging from Soul food to Italian. She enjoyed crocheting and watching sports, especially MSU basketball. She cherished quality time with her “Grands,” family and friends. She especially enjoyed her daily readings and studying The Bible. One of her favorite books and chapters, Psalms 91.

Mom, Mama, Mama Dell, Big Grandma, Grandma L, and the Queen, as she was affectionally known, modeled for us the value of hard work, perseverance, and faith throughout her life. She approached life with grace and style. She embodied the best of qualities: unconditional love, strength of spirit, and unending generosity shown in her care for her family and many others.

LueDella leaves to cherish her memory daughters, Belinda Hodge, (Lansing, Michigan); Mary (William) Hart, (Lansing, Michigan); Peggie Ponder (Atlanta, Georgia); son-in-law, Donnie Middlebrook, (Lansing, Michigan); seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and nine great-great grandchildren! Sisters, Icy B. Hodge, (Buffalo, New York); Barbara (Eddie) Jackson, (Lansing, Michigan); Betty (Charles) Walker, (Atlanta, Georgia); Brenda Taylor, (Mason, Tennessee); brothers, Preston “Ted,” Hodge, (Lansing, Michigan); Melvin Hodge, (Jackson, Tennessee); special nephew, William (Zola) Payne, and cousins, Katherine (Ocie) Middlebrook (Lansing, Michigan); and beloved sisters-in-law, Jean Hodge, Viola Taylor (Lansing, Michigan) and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and Union Missionary Baptist Church family members.

LueDella was predeceased by her loving husband, J.C. Henderson; daughter, Shirley Middlebrook; father, Calvin Hodge; mothers, Lucrecie and Roxie Hodge, six sisters and six brothers.