TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
partners in her cleaning responsibilities as her new husband wanted to lighten some of her load. “He wanted to clean the building to keep me from having to do it. Now, we have a little cleaning business on the side where he cleans office buildings. I still clean one… my son Michael’s office building.” After 34 years in the insurance business, Henderson is now semi-retired, but she still comes to the office two days a week as an independent contractor. Her gumption to continuously pursue her passions and never slow down has made her an inspiration. She believes it’s important to pass on the things you have learned and always be open to learning something new. Currently enrolled at Texas A&M University-Texarkana, Henderson is pursuing her Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences. “Before my mom passed away ten years ago, I talked to her about going back to college, and she said, ‘Linda, you can do it. You are college material.’ and proudly, I just finished my first semester with all A’s.” When Henderson is not busy studying for school, cleaning buildings, singing in the choir at St. Paul’s Missionary Baptist Church, where she has been a member for the past 60 years, or taking care of her husband, five successful children, and many incredible grandchildren, she can be found actively serving her community through the Zeta Amicae of Texarkana USA as the Vice President of Auxiliary. The Zeta Amicae of Texarkana work under the umbrella of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. “Our auxiliary works in the community; we help feed the homeless by serving meals. We take socks to nursing homes. We provide snacks and drinks for our law enforcement and fire departments in Texarkana and the surrounding area. We mentor sixth and seventh graders at Texas Middle School, and we call them the Young Tiger Leaders (YTL) or Precious Gems, which is an all-girls club,” said Henderson. It comes as no surprise that Henderson was chosen as Zeta‘s Amicae Person of the Year for 2023. “I’ve always had an extra job or two on the side… I don’t understand how people cannot apply themselves. I don’t want anyone to hand me help when I know I have an able body to work. This is the same mindset I have instilled in each of my children,” said Henderson. While reflecting on her many accomplishments, Henderson recalls times that were not always easy, but it was her faith that sustained her. “There were times I had to hold back tears as some customers were not so nice to me, calling me names and speaking with harsh words, but I thank God for my faith. Overall, it has been great, more good days than bad days.” Living her life to the fullest, Henderson has become one we could all do well to emulate. Her words of encouragement for the younger generation would be, “If you’re young, go ahead and go to college. There are different ways you can go, and if you don’t have a family that can support you, ask the college. They have the resources to help you. If you have a dream in you, try to do it! Don’t sit on that dream. Get up and move! Don’t wait for someone to hand you something. Work for it!”
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BUSINESS & POLITICS
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