RITA BEATRICE HENDERSON PROCTOR
11/21/1925 - 02/03/2023
RITA HENDERSON PROCTOR NOVEMBER 21, 1925 – FEBRUARY 3, 2023
Rita Henderson Proctor went to be with the Lord on February 3, 2023 at her home in Houston, Texas surrounded by her loving family. Rita was born on November 21, 1925 in Galveston, Texas. She was the daughter of John W. Henderson and Agnes O’Reagan Henderson and the youngest of four children, siblings John Patrick, Bernice Johanna and Veronica Blondell, all deceased. She also had one niece and many nephews.
She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Melvin P. Proctor, with whom she enjoyed 72 years of a devoted and steadfast marriage. She will be deeply missed by her four children; son Stephen Jeffrey and wife Robin and grandson Evan of Houston, Tx.; daughter Donna Rae and husband Fred Schuster of San Juan, Tx, grandchildren Lindsie, Taylor, wife Marabeth, (Ellie and Tate) and Courtney, husband Patrick Moore, (Juliet, Jenna Cate, and Jamison) all of McAllen, Tx.; daughter Linda Diane and husband Randy Marceau of Alamo Heights, Tx., grandchildren Madison and wife Elizabeth, (Kaki, Gracie and Clay) of Alamo Heights, Tx., grandchild Travis and wife Mackenzie, (Simone) of San Anselmo, Ca., and grandchild Meredith and husband Tyler Hays, (Baker) of Dallas, Tx.; daughter Gwen Anne and husband Stan Barton of Rollingwood, Tx., grandchildren Stancil III, Grant and Cathryn Foy, and Brooks.
She attended Galveston schools and graduated from Ball High School in 1943. Upon graduation she took a job at American National Insurance Company becoming a secretary to one of the executives. She was later employed by Todd Shipyards, US 5th Naval District as secretary to Lt. Commander Spencer. She later worked at Ford Bacon and Davis at the Union Carbide Plant in Texas City and finally at Texas City Terminal Railway until her marriage.
Rita and Mel were married April 28, 1950. They would spend the next 72 years raising their children and grandchildren who were the light of their lives. An important part of their story was their faith in the Lord. It kept them centered and gave them strength at many different junctures in their journey together. They would often comment on the many ways that the Lord saw them through when they needed it the most.
Her grandchildren loved and adored their “Tita.” She made each one feel special and attended many of their events and activities. Rita loved spending time at South Padre Island where she and Popi hosted our family annually. She also loved crabbing, fishing, boating, and had a special knack for finding beautiful and unusual seashells.
The family is so very grateful to Veronica, Amelia, Stella, Teresa, and Rosie for the love and care given to their mother during the last years of her life. A special thanks to Marbella Tenorio for 28 years of love, support and service. Her son “Little Joe” held a very special place in her heart.
A celebration of her life will be held Thursday morning, the 9th of February at 9:00 am at Forest Park Funeral Home Lawndale in the Grand Chapel, with burial to follow. A visitation with the family will be held 30 minutes prior to the service, at 8:30 am.
Memorial gifts may be made to American Diabetes Association or First Methodist Church, Houston, Tx.