Almedia Henderson, 77, of Norphlet, Arkansas departed this life to her heavenly home on March 4, 2021. Summer was the season when Alvin and Clara Cullen Rester welcomed their baby girl home July 22, 1943, in El Dorado, Arkansas. They named her Almedia, but she would later affectionately be known as “Mama and Grandma.”
Almedia received her early education at Washington High school in El Dorado, Arkansas and was a proud graduate of the class of 1961. As a student, she participated and excelled in various school activities and was recognized for her accomplishments. She would often talk about her fondest memories of her earlier school years. Her secondary education pursuits continued where she attended Oil Belt Vocational Technical College in El Dorado, Arkansas where she pursued nursing.
Almedia confessed her faith in Christ at a very early age. She was affiliated with the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Caledonia, Ark. and Olive Branch Baptist Church in El Dorado, Ark. with her parents and siblings. As she traveled this Christian journey and attended other churches, she united with her husband at the New Providence Missionary Baptist Church, Norphlet, Ark. under the leadership of Bishop Larry D. Leonard and subsequently attended the Morning Star Baptist Church El Dorado, AR. under the leadership of Rev. Felton Burgie.
Almedia extended meditation time consisted of reading the Holy Bible, watching religious broadcasts, reading educational magazines, reading current events, landscaping her rose flower garden, spending time with her pet McKenzie, cooking, and canning pears. She enjoyed watching her favorite TV shows: Good Doctor, Golf with Tiger Woods, Tennis with the Williams Sisters, and Alabama Football “Roll Tide Roll” when they were not playing Arkansas and socializing with family and friends. She was not a stranger to anyone she met.
She united in Holy Matrimony to Lonnie Roger Henderson, Sr. and to this union four children were born but they were blessed to raise five children.
Although it took us by surprise, it was no surprise to God as she transitioned from this earthly life to her heavenly home, where she will join her parents, Alvin and Clara Cullen Rester, her son; Victor Rester, Sr., her great granddaughter; Lauren Massey, her brothers; Alvin, Frank and K. W. Rester, her sisters; Irene Rester and Ella Mae Preston.
Her memories will be cherished by her children; Lonnie Henderson, Jr., Alethea Sanders (Rev. Lee) Norphlet, Arkansas and Angela Henderson Stewart (Delvin) El Dorado, Arkansas, Robin Henderson of Memphis, Tennessee. Two sisters; Cleatrice “Sugar” Parker and Clara Paige (Calvin) one brother; David Rester, Sr. all El Dorado, Arkansas. Her special niece; Denell Ferguson of El Dorado, Arkansas. She also leaves twelve grandchildren: Latoya Rester, Victor Rester, Jr., Kisha Crayton, RoShonda Foreman, Candies Warren, Brandon Hunter, Sidney Austin, Sherelle Massey, Kryshtene Henderson, Camilla Massey, Solomon Stewart and Delvin Stewart, Jr., twenty-one great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
Celebration of Almedia Henderson life will be held on Saturday, March 13, 2021, where she will lie in state at the Morning Star Baptist Church in El Dorado, AR, starting at 12:30 p.m. for a walk-through visitation with funeral services to follow at 1:30 p.m. with the Rev. Felton Burgie, Pastor/ Eulogist. There will be no viewing after the service. Mausoleum Entombment will follow in Rest Haven Memorial Park N. Wyatt Drive Norphlet, AR. under the direction of Andrews Funeral Home of El Dorado, AR. Masks and social distancing will be required. No fellowship after the service.