Thursday, August 2, 2018

Former Prairie View Mayor Lee Henderson Passes

The City of Prairie View is mourning the passing of Dr. Lee Henderson, former Prairie View Mayor and retired professor at Prairie View A&M University on July 31, 2018.

Funeral Services for Dr. Henderson is as follows: Funeral Services Saturday August 4, 2018 at Mt. Corinth Baptist Church 806 7th St, Hempstead. Viewing will take place from 10:00 a.m. followed by the service at 11 a.m. Burial will be at the Prairie View Cemetery.

Dr. Lee Ellis Henderson was born in Prairie View, Texas, on February 9, 1943. He was the second of three sons born to Duria and Mae Henderson. Lee received his primary and secondary education through the segregated Brookshire school system where he graduated valedictorian of his class in 1960.

Lee attended Prairie View A&M University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1963. Guided by his father, Mr. Duria Henderson, and supported as always by his mother Mrs. Mae Henderson, Lee secured a job in Cuero, Texas where he taught all of the science courses at Daula High School. In 1964, Lee moved to Orange, Texas where he taught seventh grade life science, eight grade earth science, and ninth grade physical science in the West Orange School District. In 1965, Lee met Shirley Fontenot and the two were married in 1966.

Lee returned to his studies and earned two Master?s Degrees in 1967 from Prairie View A&M University. He earned his third Master's Degree from the University of Houston in 1968. Lee joined the United States Navy, was accepted into Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Rhode Island and, upon completion of OCS became a commissed Lieutenant, Junior Grade.

Lieutenant Henderson was assigned to Prairie View A&M University in 1971 and assisted in starting the N.R.O.T.C. program. In time, Lee transitioned to the faculty as an instructor of biology. In 1980, Lee earned his Doctor of Education degree from the University of Houston. Dr. Henderson's faculty position in the Department of Biology was solidified. He became well- known as a lead professor of anatomy and physiology, especially for nursing majors. He also served two terms as Speaker of the Faculty Senate and was engaged fully in University life. Additionally, he impacted the lives of many students outside of the classroom with his services as an advisor to Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society and the Le Beaux Arts and Le Belle Lettre's Organizations.

Committed to his community, Dr. Henderson was elected Mayor of Prairie View in 1990, a position he held for two terms spanning four years. In his spare time, Dr. Henderson dabbled in photography. His hobby grew into a part-time business. Initially opening as Econo-Thrift Photography, the business grew and Dr. Henderson continued to invest in his photography studio, which ultimately became Elle (L.E.) Photography. He retired from the University in 2008.

For many years, Dr. Henderson was a faithful member of Mount Corinth Baptist Church; however, later, he worked in the Video Production Unit at Brookhollow Baptist Church which is well- known as the Church Without Walls or "the Wall." He always joked, "I am the hardest working non-member at Brookhollow!"

Dr. Henderson is preceded in death by his father, Duria L. Henderson, and his eldest brother, Dura L. Henderson, Jr. His memory will be cherished by his wife, Shirley, and their three sons Daryl (La'Keshia), Michael (Dorothee), Cory and his daughter Lo'Quita. Deeply missing Dr. Henderson will be his grandchildren Alyssia, Royal, Daniel, Rachel, Julia, Camille, and Elliot as well as his friends, colleagues, the members of the Prairie View community.

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