Clarise Lucille May Henderson, age 87, passed away on Sunday, December 25, 2016. She was born on May 29, 1929 in Roanoke, AL, the daughter of the late Charlie Green May and Ellen Kirby May. In addition to her parents, Lucille was also preceded in death by her husband, J.B. Henderson; her daughter, Ellen Neal; her sister, Loyette Hester; and her brothers: Fred May and Joe May.

She was the youngest of 5 children, and grew up on the family farm during the great depression. Lucille graduated from Auburn University in 1951. During her senior year, she met J.B. Henderson. The first time he saw her, he knew that was the girl he was going to marry. By graduation, they were engaged. During their yearlong engagement, she worked as a schoolteacher to pay off her college debt and J.B. began his job with General Electric in New York. Lucille and J.B. were married on June 8, 1952 in Roanoke, AL. After moving to Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1953, she gave birth to her first daughter, Ellen. In 1954, Lucille and J.B. had moved to East Orange, New Jersey where she gave birth to her second daughter, Jane. After several other moves with GE, they found themselves in Hendersonville where Lucille taught English and Home Economics at Edneyville High School for several years. In 1962, their third daughter, Lisa, was born; and in 1964, their son, Joe, was born. After another move to Erie, Pennsylvania in 1966 for 3 years, Lucille and JB happily returned to Hendersonville to stay. After retirement, JB and Lucille enjoyed visiting their grandchildren and traveling. Lucille was dedicated to raising her family and to keeping in touch with all her extended family. She would look for any opportunity to visit her cousins. Lucille also had a variety of other interests including cooking, decorating, sewing, and quilting. Lucille loved entertaining. Her home was always open to family and friends, and many friends of the church who were passing through found a place to stay with Lucille. She was a faithful member of the Hendersonville Church of Christ. She took a leadership role in many church events and activities, taught children’s bible class, and taught ladies bible class. Lucille and J.B. were happily married for 55 years. During the last nine years of their marriage, Lucille dedicated herself to caring for J.B. throughout his long illness until his passing on December 24, 2007.

Lucille is survived by her children: Jane Bryant, Lisa (John) Curtis, Joe (Billie Kay) Henderson; brother, Grant May; grandchildren: Matthew (Elin) Neal, Fisher Neal, Tyler Neal, Lauren Bryant, Evan Bryant, Claire Curtis, Caroline Curtis, Bryan Curtis, James (Rachel) Henderson, Will Henderson, and Sam Henderson; and 2 great-grandchildren: Elliott Neal and Alice Neal.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 29, 2016 at the Hendersonville Church of Christ. Burial will follow at Oakdale Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the church from 12 noon until 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hendersonville Church of Christ, 1975 Haywood Road, Hendersonville, NC 28791.

Thomas Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors