Columbia, SC

Mary Henderson

Mary Lena Mitchell Henderson, 91, of Columbia, died Tuesday, October 17, 2023. Born in the Good Hope area of Saluda County on October 25, 1931, she was the daughter of the late William Rufus Mitchell and Ruby Nola Ouzts Mitchell. She grew up as a member of Good Hope Baptist Church. Mary graduated from Saluda High School and attended Lander University in Greenwood where she met her husband, Charles. They were married for 63 years until his death in October of 2015. They moved to Columbia in 1951 and became lifelong members of Shandon Baptist Church. Mary Began working for the South Carolina State Welfare Department where she developed many lifelong friendships with her coworkers. She stopped working to provide a loving home for her children and always placed her family's needs above her own in every way. After her children were grown, she returned to work at the Department of Health and Environmental Control. She retired in 1993 to dedicate herself to being a grandmother, a role she cherished and in which she excelled. Spending time with her three grandchildren was her greatest joy, and her influence on them will assure her memory continues to live.

Mrs. Henderson is survived by her son, Charles Mitchell Henderson (Amber) of Atlanta, GA; daughter, Donna Henderson Sprung (David, deceased) of Columbia, grandson, David Sprung of Philadelphia, PA, and granddaughters, Audrey and Lauren Henderson of Atlanta, GA.

She was predeceased by her sister, Lula Mitchell Wood, and her brother, Joseph Edward Mitchell.

A private burial will be held at Good Hope Baptist Church Cemetery, Saluda, SC.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Shandon Baptist Church, 5250 Forest Drive, Columbia SC 29206