The Life of TJ Henderson…

Thomas Jefferson Henderson was born July 25, 1943, in Pinehurst, Georgia, to the late Harry Henderson, Jr. and Florence Simpson Henderson.

Growing up on the Henderson estate, affectionately known as "The Farm", he was the third oldest of ten (10) children: Harry Henderson, III (deceased), Florence Washington, Robert (Tooly) Henderson (Mildred), Phillip Henderson (deceased) (Gwen), Ruth Henderson, Catherine Donaldson, Doreatha Churchwell (Dr. Andre Churchwell), Dr. Raymond Henderson, and Ronnie Henderson (Vedia). He received his education from the Dooly County school district, graduating in 1961 from the Vienna High & Industrial School, Dooly County, Georgia.

At the age of seventeen, he moved to Marietta, GA, and worked various jobs, one being a cook at the iconic hotel and restaurant chain Howard Johnson, before landing his dream job at Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems of Georgia.

In 1964, he joined the United States Army, serving a 3-year term with the rank of Staff Sergeant and Sharp Shooter. He is a veteran who served in the Vietnam War. Returning home after his tour in the military in 1967, he returned to Lockheed Martin, where he received several certifications for training and leadership. Advancing through various leadership positions before being promoted to Division Manager in 1994. With a 35-year career behind him, he retired from Lockheed Martin in 1999.

In his spare time, he was a master craftsman and general "I Can Do Anything" contractor. From home renovations, general carpentry projects, auto-repair, you name it, he mastered it. One of his most prized projects is the family home he built, finishing in 1979 while still working full-time at Lockheed Martin. To emphasize his skill and talent, the family home is a replica of a dollhouse purchased for his oldest daughter, Tonya, for Christmas in 1970.

After moving to Marietta, he met and married Dorothy Ann Waldon-Henderson in 1964, who preceded him in death (2008). From this union of over 44 years, four girls were born: Tonya Henderson (Powder Springs), Melanie Mathis (Marietta), Tina McKinney (Charlotte, NC), and Trina Henderson (Powder Springs). He has seven (7) grandchildren: Jasmine Bass, Myles Bass, Jordan Mathis, Sydney Mathis (SGT-Army), Christian Mathis, Mackensie Moore, and Kyndal McKinney. He was graced to see his great-granddaughter, Journee Fields (June 2024) born.

A member of Big Bethel Missionary Baptist Church (Gathering of Champions Church), he served faithfully as a leader of the Board of Trustees and the Usher's Ministry under the leadership of Dr. Brian Keith Hodges, Sr.

Words penned to paper only scratch the surface of this wonderful husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend whose life impacted the lives of many young and old.

The visitation will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

at Greener Pastures Funeral Home, 4405 Marietta Street, Powder Springs Ga, 30127.

The Funeral Service will be held after the visitation on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 11:00 AM

at Gathering of Champions Church, 1994 Powder Springs Rd SW, Marietta, GA 30064

To the Henderson Family, we at Greener Pastures Funeral Home, extend to you our deepest sympathy & condolences.

Our prayers remain that your abiding faith in God will continue to comfort, to strengthen and sustain you during your time of bereavement.