TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
A SEAT AT THE TABLE BY LESLI FLOWERS “There is a destiny that makes us brothers; none goes his way alone. All that we send into the lives of others comes back into our own.” —Edwin Markham
The lines of “A Creed,” a poem by Edwin Markham recited by L. Lee Richardson to her senior class at age sixteen became a providential blessing that set into motion divine appointments in each of her children’s lives—including her daughter, Linda Henderson. This foundational legacy impressed upon her by her mother continues to guide Henderson, and she has passed on this legacy to the generations that have followed her. Markham’s poem has become a mantra for Henderson’s family. “Our entire family knows this poem, and we enjoy reciting it together at every gathering. We all know it by heart,” she said. As one of five siblings, Henderson credits her mom with much of their success. “We were good kids and never got in trouble, but my mom ran her house on a strict schedule that she expected us to follow. I went on to become who I am now because of the morals she instilled in us.”
Henderson’s early teen years began during a very pivotal time in our nation’s history. “As I was in junior high school, we integrated from the Macedonia School to Liberty-Eylau Junior High School.” It was a no-brainer for her classmates to elect her class president and class favorite. Everyone who meets Henderson is quickly drawn to her. While Henderson was working as a front desk receptionist at CHRISTUS Health Center in Central Mall, Sam Shuman walked in the door. So impressed by her poise and intelligence, Shuman gave her his business card and asked her to call Bob Bowden at Offenhauser & Co. Insurance. “I was working two other jobs at the time, and this was my part-time gig. After speaking to Mr. Bowden, he offered me a job right away without ever seeing my resume,” said Henderson. “I told him I would need a few days to decide, and in June 1990, I began my career with Offenhauser Insurance as a cashier.”
11
BUSINESS & POLITICS
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs