Celebrating the Life of Carolyn A. Jones Henderson
Carolyn Ann Jones was one of three daughters born to the union of Johnie B. Jones and Opal Williams Jones. Carolyn was born on September 9, 1946, which was the day after her Mom’s birthday, so her Dad always celebrated both birthdays on the same day. Her Mother would often say that she lost her birthday after Carolyn was born. Carolyn was a product of the Dallas Independent School District and graduated as Valedictorian from Lincoln High School in 1964.
Carolyn attended Munger Avenue Baptist Church at an early age and later joined Boll Street CME Church (currently Cedar Crest Cathedral CME) in 1951. The move to Boll Street CME happened because Carolyn’s Dad was a member there, and her parents decided to unite the family at one church.
Upon graduating high school, Carolyn wanted to be different from her sister, Sharon, by leaving Texas for College. Carolyn attended Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics.
In 1968, Carolyn experienced major life changes. In addition to graduating from Spelman, she got married to her Morehouse Man, William (Bill) Henderson, started her corporate career with IBM, and moved to Kingston, New York. While at IBM, Carolyn held many positions until she turned in her badge in 1998, after 30 years with the company—an almost unheard-of feat today.
Carolyn and Bill relocated to St. Louis, Missouri, where both of their children, Eric Scott and Erin Christen, were born. Moving to Dallas, Texas, in 1984 allowed Carolyn to show her family everything she loved about her hometown.
Carolyn joined the Dallas Chapter of Jack and Jill, Inc., where she was especially fond of working with the Beautillion fundraiser. Carolyn usually chose to lead the Belle Committee to impart her wisdom to the young ladies escorted by the Beaux in the Beautillion. Additionally, Carolyn joined the Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, where she co-chaired Jabberwock, the Chapter fundraiser. In 1994, Carolyn was one of the Founding Members of the Trinity (TX) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. Carolyn acquired her appreciation for civic involvement from her Mother.
Carolyn A. Henderson is survived by her husband of almost 56 years, William; children, Eric (Lisa Greene) Henderson and Erin (Kellen Moore) Henderson-Moore; sisters, Sharon Gray and Marilyn Foster; grandsons, William and Jackson Henderson; sister-in-law, Rachel Gail Henderson; brother-in-law, Stephen (Susie) Henderson; nieces, Sharette Kirsten Gray Patrick, LaGena Kerri Gray Yarbrough, Jone Kala Bullett, Mia Foster and Gail Henderson; nephews, Marcus and Marlon Henderson; adopted sister, Lynda Longstreet-Hall; Goddaughter, Cassidy Hall; and adopted niece, Chelsea Hall. Waiting to greet Carolyn in Heaven are her parents, Johnie B. and Opal W. Jones.
A Memorial Service will be held at Black and Clark Funeral Home, 2517 East Illinois Ave., Dallas, TX 75216, at 2:30 p.m. on March 29, 2024.
