Lillian Henderson

Lillian Thomas Henderson, a beloved librarian, mother, grandmother, and 2025, at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center in Plainsboro, New Jersey. Born in cherished member of the Trenton community. passed away peacefully on January10 George O. Thomas and Annie Lee Cox Thomas. She was the oldest living member of Trenton, New Jersey, on October 26, 1930, she was the fourth of eight children horn to the Radney family. 
 
Educated in the Trenton Public Schools, her early school hood was at Roberson School formerly called Lincoln School. Lillian graduated from Central High School in 1948 and embarked on a life of learning and service. Shortly after graduating high school, Lillian met and married her husband, James Henderson. The night before her wedding, her mother took her in the kitchen to attempt to teach her how to cook After moving to Chicago, Illinois, in support of her husband's optometry career, she began her family Thereafter, she returned to the East Coast and pursued her passion 
for knowledge. She successfully passed the library exam and began her career at the Trenton Public Library, eventually specializing in reference work at the East and North Trenton branches and the Trenton Children's Library In 1970, Lillian accepted position at Mercer County Community College, where she managed the Kerney Campus Library for over 20 years. During her tenure, she earned an Associate Degree in Library Science Technology, a testament to her lifelong commitment to education. 
 
Beyond her professional accomplishments. Lillian was a woman of strong faith. With her father being Sunday school teacher, her parents made sure all their children attended Sunday school and church. She loved to sing. AS a youngster she sang with the Carver Center Choir under Mr. Loyd Higgins. She was an active member of Mt. Zion AME Church, where she sang with the Cathedral and Mass Choirs and served as president of the daughters of Allen. Later, she joined the Grant Chapel AME Church, becoming a member of the Missionary Society. Her musical talents extended beyond the church, as she also sang with the ECHO Acapella Choir under the direction of Howard Crossland. She was a member of the Top Ladies of Distinction and was honored on March 2021 for her dedication to her community 

Lillian was a remarkable woman straight-talking, sassy individual who overcame adversity with grace and determination. She loved plays and musicals such as The Sound of Music and My Fair Lady. In fact, she was the epitome of My Fair Lady, and she loved to dress with a refined sense of style and elegance, Lillian was a lifelong learner, with keen interest in the world around her. 

She stayed informed about current events through daily newspaper reading. She was a caring friend, always checking in on loved ones, especially during storms, with a simple "Are you home safe?" or "Do you have enough to eat?" In early years, she was teased about making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for her kids daily. She honed her skills over the years, delighting family and friends at gatherings with her renowned potato salad.  

As a young mother, she prioritized her children's education, ensuring that all four -Petra A. Jackson, James W. Henderson, Wanda L. Henderson, and Christopher M. Henderson attended prestigious universities, including Howard and Harvard.  

Lillian's love for her family was evident in the many photographs and memorabilia she kept close, even during her later years. She was incredibly proud of their achievements, cherishing every trophy, certificate, and accomplishment.  

Lillian's love for learning extended to her granddaughter, Mickelle P. Jackson. From an early age, she instilled a passion for reading, and by the age of four, Mickelle was already reading to her grandmother. Lillian's support and guidance played a crucial role in Mickelle's own journey as an educator today.  

Her warm personality and infectious laugh drew people to her. She had so many friends. Although in later years she was in the nursing home, her friends remained an important part of her life and she kept in touch. She cultivated lifelong friendships, even extending her kindness and support to the friends of her daughter and granddaughter. Lillian's memory, life, and legacy will always be etched in our hearts. Her legacy of learning, perseverance, and unwavering love will continue to inspire future generations.  

Lillian was predeceased by her parents George and Annie Lee Cox Thomas, and her siblings Nathaniel Thomas, George Thomas, Jr., Beaulah Vaughn, Edith Dent, Elsie Glover, and Deloris Tindall.  

Leaving behind a legacy of love, she is survived by her cherished daughters, Petra Jackson of Ewing, NJ, and Wanda Henderson of Washington, DC; devoted sons, James Henderson of Everett, MA, and Christopher Henderson of Atlantic City, NJ; beloved granddaughter, Mickelle Jackson of Mount Laurel, NJ; dear sister, Hilda Teel (Oscar) of San Diego, CA; nieces and nephews, honorary grandchildren, and a vast circle of family and treasured friends that she considered family. 

Funeral service will be 11am Friday, January 24, 2025 at Shiloh Baptist Church, 340 Rev. S. Howard Woodson Jr Way, Trenton, NJ 08618.  Calling hours will be 9am until time of service. Interment will be at Ewing Cemetery, Ewing, NJ. 

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