MARILYN HENDERSON
03/17/1930 - 02/22/2023
Marilyn Morgan Henderson was surrounded by her loving family as she passed away on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 in St. George, Utah. Marilyn was born on March 17, 1930, in Sharon Pennsylvania to Gertrude Armour Morgan, a highly promoted teacher and David J. Morgan, an accomplished steelworker and semiprofessional baseball player.
She demonstrated her academic acumen from the very beginning learning to read at 4 years old. With her photographic memory, she went on to graduate number 1 in her high school class (valedictorian), gave a significant graduation speech on working together to make democracy work, and then with a full scholarship, graduated number 1 from Chatham College with a major in Spanish and History. Her graduating thesis was “The Influence of Marxism on American Thought”, a fairly controversial subject during the McCarthy era in 1952.
Her teachers expected her to become a college professor. And she aspired to write and publish her first historical work by the age of 30.
“Her Lieutenant” came home to her from Korea after serving on the front line as a forward observer during the historic battle of the Pusan perimeter. He brought home a black pearl necklace as a wedding present along with a chest full of medals, including the Purple Heart. They were married in 1952 and John, Jr arrived in 1953.
Marilyn was more than an equal partner with her beloved husband, Jack as they both worked hard on his ever successful 33 year career in the U.S. Army. His achievement to the rank of Colonel and holding General level command positions was hers as well as his. She managed many staff and troop support groups and counseled other military families every step of the way.
Daughter Leslie arrived when they served in Germany. And while in Europe in the late 50’s, Marilyn and Jack enjoyed trips throughout Europe with a growing group of close friends rising through the ranks together. Following short posts in Ft. Riley and Leavenworth they spent 9 years in Virginia, at Denbigh, Norfolk, and then Alexandria. Marilyn was a celebrated tour guide at Williamsburg with many letters of thanks from grade school teachers and students. She was a prominent contributor to the work of the League of Women Voters in Alexandria, Virginia working on the paper recommending recognition of China during the late 1960’s. They then spent a year in Carlisle, Pennsylvania and then 5 years in Europe.
After retiring to Atascocita (Houston) Texas in 1978, she and her dear friend
June started a vey successful wallpaper and paint store in downtown Humble “The Paper Chase”. She and Jack were also avid golfers and active in local government leadership positions. She was also a founding member of the Atascocita Presbyterian Church, a P.E.O. member and officer, an avid proficient Bridge player and leader in her book club. She and Jack traveled frequently to places throughout the west and overseas to China.
Their loving companion, Pumpkin, a stray who wandered in and never left, brought immeasurable joy.
Everywhere they lived Marilyn and Jack always grew a close group of friends and those close relationships continued until the end. One close friend of over 70 years, Jean was still calling Marilyn up until the end.
Grandchildren Elizabeth Henderson, John (Tripp) Henderson (III) and
Diana Beck as well as great grandson Jack (IV) and great granddaughter Charlie, enriched their lives immeasurably with loving holidays at home, trips to the coast and constant long distance companionship. Daughter Leslie and her husband Doug lived close-by in Houston for many years and Doug, who shared the veteran status (naval aviator), was especially close to Marilyn and Jack. Kathy, John’s wife and an accomplished nurse, provided welcome support for Marilyn during difficult times.
Marilyn was described by her college roommate as “quality”. And everything in her time with us lived up to that defining character trait. Critical thinker, academic, thoughtful life long partner, mother, counselor, and just plain wonderful to be around. She will be missed and remembered.