Jonel (Edmondson) Henderson

Jonel Edmondson Henderson, age 94, of Elkhart, Texas, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, the 19th day of September 2023, surrounded by her loving children. Jonel was born at home in Myrtle Springs, Texas in Anderson County Texas on the 10th day of March 1929, to parents Mongo Park Edmondson and Leota Fay Hobson Edmondson.

Jonel’s dad bought 76 acres on Edmondson Road in Palestine where the family relocated.  She went to Elkhart School starting at the age of 5.  During her high school career, Jonel participated in many activities.  She served as Majorette her junior year, Drum Major her senior year, and was elected school queen before graduating.  Upon graduation, Jonel attended Trinity Valley Community College majoring in business. 

Due to a strict father, Jonel did not date much in high school.  However, she did meet a guy named Curtis Henderson that became her high school sweetheart and later became her husband on Christmas Eve in 1946, when she was just 18 years old.  They were blessed with three beautiful children, Brenda, Ronald, and Pamela, before Curtis was called back to the Korean War.  Jonel always said being a parent was the most important job of her life and the job she enjoyed the most.

After returning from war, Curtis went to work for United Gas Pipeline.  The family then moved to Carthage where they lived for several years, transferred to Longview, Jacksonville, Houston and Louisiana.  In Jacksonville, Jonel taught Sunday school to toddlers for the next twelve years.  She also worked with LLL, “Live Longer and Like It”.

Jonel accepted Christ at her grandparent’s little country church.  She remembered her grandmother praying and cold chills coming over her.  She was baptized by Rev. Calvin Nelson and joined First Baptist Church in Palestine.

Jonel’s lived a long life filled with many blessings.  She was very active in the Alzheimer’s Association and her favorite vacation memory was taking a cruise to Mexico.  She also enjoyed lake outings with her children.  Her favorite pastimes included sewing and cooking delicious meals for her family and friends.

After the passing of her husband, Jonel moved back to Palestine to be closer to her daughter. Jonel’s life was marked by a gentle spirit, selfless love, and a deep commitment to her family.  A direct quote from Jonel, “I believe God has always looked after me.  I know that I haven’t always pleased Him, but He is always there to lead me through the day.”  Jonel lived a life of honor to God, and she will be forever missed.

She joins in heaven her parents, Mongo and Leota Edmondson, beloved husband Benjamin Curtis Henderson, and her brother, Mongo Park Edmondson, Jr.

Jonel leaves behind her daughters, Brenda Gail Crouch and husband Jerry, Pamela Sue Henderson; son, Ronald Curtis Henderson and wife Linda; eleven grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren.  She also is survived by her best friend, Tommy Ruth Dotson, and many other family members and friends.

A funeral service to celebrate Jonel Henderson’s life is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning, on Monday, the 25th day of September 2023 in the Rhone Memorial Chapel with Bro. Steve Edwards officiating the service. Interment will follow in Roselawn Park.

Friends are invited to visit with the family one hour prior to the start of the service at Rhone Funeral Home.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Wade Crouch, Benjamin Holander, Curtis “Beaver” Franklin, Curtis Franklin, Jr., J. Allen, and Dylan Ward.  Steven Henderson will serve as honorary pallbearer.

We invite you to take a moment to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with her family by selecting the “Share a memory” icon.

Funeral Services for Jonel Henderson are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas.

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