Pearl D. Henderson

The Obituary

Pearl Denney Rider Henderson was born October 12, 1925 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  She was one of seven children born to Mae Nichols Rider and William James Rider, Sr. 

Pearl attended Dunlap Elementary School, Holmes Junior High School and completed her education at Overbrook High School.  After graduating, she worked at the Signal Corps during World War II.  

When the war ended, Pearl attended LaSalle Stenotype Institute where she studied stenography.  Prior to attending LaSalle, she attended Strayer’s Business College.  

Pearl and Oscar Henderson were married on November 26, 1947 at the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, where she and her husband were both members.  From this union one son, Darrell K. Henderson was born.  Both Oscar and Darrell preceded her in death. 

Pearl held several positions throughout her lifetime.  In her earlier years she was employed by the law firm of attorney Robert N.C. Nix, who later became Congressman Nix.  She worked at Friends Central School in the Admissions office and also taught typing to the students.  The majority of her career was spent working as a stenographer with the Internal Revenue Service – a position from which she retired after thirty years.  Pearl continued to work for various law firms in Philadelphia following her retirement.  

Pearl was a member of the Junior Service League, an organization composed of many young women in Philadelphia.  Aa a devoted member of the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas for more than sixty years, Pearl served as a Sunday school teacher and played the piano for Sunday school, served as a member of the Sisterhood Guild where she helped with the planning of the fashion shows, and she also took part in many of the Operates performances in Philadelphia, which was an organization affiliated with the church.  Pearl was also a member of a club for many years that was comprised of many of her childhood friends.   

Quietly on Monday, July 3, 2023, God called Pearl home where she joins her beloved husband Oscar, son Darrell and sister Jean R. Armstrong, as well as other relatives who have preceded her in death.  She leaves a legacy of love and cherished memories to her lovely granddaughter, Madeline J. Henderson; a daughter-in-love Cynthia Mae Henderson; and a host of other loving relatives and many special friends.

Submitted With Love,

The Family   

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