Chief Apostle Shirley E. Henderson

24 Pages·2016·13.25 MB·English

The Legacy Of
Chief Apostle Shirley E. Henderson
A Celebration of Life, Music & Ministry

Obituary
Passionate, spirit-filled, practical and uncompromising are just a few attributes to describe God’s anointed servant, Chief
Apostle Dr. Shirley E. Henderson. Known in some circles as “The General,” Apostle Henderson was a dynamic preacher
and teacher with a passion and commitment to truth and God’s people.
“For unto us a child is born…” (Isaiah 9:6)
Apostle Henderson did not have a typical childhood. Despite the many obstacles she faced, God ordained, anointed and
appointed her to fulfill His purpose in the earth. Apostle Henderson was born “Shirley Elizabeth Wright” on April 13, 1954
in Philadelphia, PA to the parents of Clyde and Ellen Wright. She was the youngest of five siblings and the only girl. At a
very young age she moved to Roanoke, VA where she was reared by her great aunt whom she affectionately called
grandmother. She matriculated through the Roanoke County public school system and later graduated with a high school
diploma.
Her grandmother was a praying woman who taught her about the Lord and reared her in the way of holiness. She went to
church every Saturday and Sunday and her grandmother would take her with her to visit and pray for the saints who were
sick.
As a child, Apostle Henderson accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior and joined the Emmanuel Baptist Church of the
Apostolic Faith, under the leadership of Bishop S.H. Brown in Roanoke, VA. It is there where the gifts and call of God upon
her life began to manifest. By age 8, she was mastering the organ and playing in church services and at the age of 13, she was
ordained to preach the gospel. It was during her tenure at Emmanuel that she met her late husband, Assistant Pastor Harry
Henderson.
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send
me!’" (Isaiah 6:8)
As a teenager, Apostle Henderson began to evangelize travelling the length and breadth of the earth proclaiming the gospel
to captive, lost and dying souls, offering them a life free from sin through Jesus Christ. While evangelizing, she preached
revival in Clifton Forge, VA where souls received the Holy Ghost. As a result, numerous people in the area wanted to follow
her ministry and to learn more about God’s power, therefore, they requested that she would be their pastor. It was at this
time that she felt the gentle nudge of God to the pastorate but did not readily receive it; she pastored temporarily but later
turned the ministry over to her then pastor, Elder E.C. Cannon. She continued to evangelize and served in ministry under the
late Pastor Lorraine Sample Austin, Roanoke, VA, the late Elder E.C. Cannon, (Cannon’s Cathedral), Charlotte, NC, and
Arch Bishop Roy E. Brown (The Pilgrim Church), Brooklyn, NY. It was these leaders who imparted their wisdom, faith,
training, motivation, excellence and vision for kingdom building, which prepared her for the pastorate.
In 1989, Apostle Henderson obeyed the voice of the Lord and birthed Praise Ministries Deliverance Center in Orlando, Fl.
In 1993, she was consecrated Chief Apostle of Praise Ministries. Shortly thereafter, she moved to Raleigh, NC where she
birthed Praise Ministries Family Worship Center, Inc. In 2009, an honorary Doctorate of Divinity was conferred upon
Apostle Henderson from International Christian University, Chesapeake VA by Bishop Gloria J. Lewis-True Holiness
Temple, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.
“For where there is no vision the people perish…” (Proverbs 29:18)
Because of Apostle Henderson’s unconditional love for God’s people, she would endure whatever it took to see a soul
delivered. Her life principle was, “If I can help someone as I travel along, then my living is not in vain.” Because of her love
for the people of God, this visionary has birthed in-reach and outreach ministries that serve as tools for kingdom
building. Project Help Community Development Center, The DIVA Society, The Men of Esquire, Alternatives Too
Christian Academy, and GIFTED – Performing Arts Ministry, are just a few ministries designed to impact, educate and
empower men, women and children to live productive and victorious lives. Additionally, Apostle Henderson’s vision for
outreach included volunteering for the Raleigh Rescue Mission and donations to homeless shelters and thrift stores.
“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” (Proverbs 31:26).
“I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.” (Genesis 17:16)
Apostle Henderson has been a mentor, role model and mother to her members and the entire Body of Christ. As a woman of
integrity, unquestionable faith and wisdom, her character was consistent with her life and with what she preached.
This dynamic, power packed, faith walking visionary preached the unadulterated word of God by revelation knowledge,
with humor, exuberance and simplicity in exhibition. Apostle Henderson had a keen sense of discernment and could identify
a devil from miles away. She generously imparted wisdom and knowledge to all who would sit at her feet. Many lives have
been changed and ministries birthed through the leadership of Chief Apostle Dr. Shirley E. Henderson.
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants. (Psalm 116:15)
Apostle Henderson loved her family. She is preceded in death by her parents - Clyde, Sr. and Ellen Wright; two brothers -
Clyde Wright Jr. and James Johnson; one adopted son -Antwan Wright.
Cherishing her memory are two brothers Wesley Wright (Vermel), Newark, NJ; Andre Wright (Myrtle), Midlothian, VA.; a
host of nieces and nephews; her parishioners - Praise Ministries Family Worship Center (Raleigh, NC); spiritual daughter/
Chief Armor Bearer Gwen Weatherspoon (Raleigh, NC); spiritual daughters - Cheryl Green (Orlando, Fl); Pastor Sharon
Y. Riley (Orlando, Fl) and Danyelle Sanders (Garner, NC); God Sister - Althea Townes (Queens, NY); God daughters -
Elder Sharnelle Blain (Philadelphia, PA), Anita West (Raleigh, NC); God son - Elder Russell Reaves II (Raleigh, NC),
spiritual sons - Min. Willie C. Frazier (Orlando, FL), Bishop A. Clyburn (Mebane, NC); two special friends and prayer
partners - Co-Pastor Dollie Baker (Chester, VA); Pastor Helen Williams (Greenville, NC) and a host of other spiritual
children, grandchildren, friends and co-laborers.
Farewell to God’s General, An Apostolic Icon, The Servant of the Lord, A Legend and Precious Jewel to the Body of Christ.
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith…” (2 Timothy 4:7)

Chief Apostle Dr. Shirley E. Henderson
Sunrise - April 13, 1954
Sunset - August 15, 2016
Official Homegoing Celebration Programme
August 27, 2016
11 o’clock A.M.
Moments of Visitation
Presiding Official
Pastor John I. Brown, Jr.
New Horizon Church Of God In Christ
Maxton, NC
Musical Prelude
Processional
Family and Clergy
Call to Worship
Pastor John I. Brown, Jr.
Sound of the Shofar
Song of Praise
S.E.H. Celebration Choir
Scripture
Old Testament
Isaiah 40:28-31 (KJV)
Pastor Marguerite Rountree
Praise Ministries Family Worship Center
Raleigh, NC
New Testament
1 Corinthians 15:51-57 (KJV)
Bishop Aaron Clyburn
Grace and Peace Cathedral
Mebane, NC
Invocation
Pastor Terry Cobb
Greater Peace Temple of Praise
Kinston, NC
Musical Selection
Psalmist Danyelle Sanders
Remarks (2 minutes please)
Althea Townes
Queens, NY
Pastor Helen Williams
Anointed Ones Ministries
Ayden, NC
Pastor Melissa Johnson
New Harvest Family Worship Center
Roanoke, VA
Acknowledgements/Obituary
Exhorter Renee’ Whitted
Praise Ministries Family Worship Center
Raleigh, NC
Musical Selection
Praise
Orlando, FL
Eulogy
Pastor Sharon Y. Riley
Agape’ Perfecting Praise & Worship Center
Orlando, FL
Recessional/Musical Postlude
S.E.H. Celebration Choir
Interment:
Carolina Biblical Gardens
1530 Creech Road
Garner, NC 27529
Repast:
Springfield Baptist Church Community Center
4306 Auburn Knightdale Road
Raleigh, NC 27610