Notice for Zelma Henderson

Message: [sister of Faye Scroggins] Zelma C. Henderson 88, passed away Tuesday May 20, 2008. Zelma was born south of Colby, KS to Thomas L. Hurst and Pansy Belle Hurst on February 29, 1920. She attended school in Oakley, KS, graduated in 1939 and came to Topeka in the forties. She was a 60 plus member of St. John A.M.E. Church, where she served as steward, trustee and was consecrated as a deaconess. She met her husband Andrew Henderson, married in 1943 and from this union two children were born; Donald and Vicki. Her husband and daughter preceded her in death; she was also preceded in death by five siblings, four brothers (Kermit, Clayton, Everett and Leland) and one sister Faye Scroggins. She is survived by one son, Donald A. (Maggie) Henderson, Sr., of Topeka, KS, one sister, Mary Catherine Ponds, of Everett, Washington, five grandchildren, Donald Henderson, Jr., and Mellaney Henderson, both of Topeka, Carolyn White, Florida, Angelique Hill, Columbus, GA, Eric Mace, Phoenix, Arizona and fifteen great grandchildren. Zelma worked about five years at Topeka State Hospital as charge aide of her ward. She also attended cosmetology school at KVS and graduated in 1949. She opened and worked in her beauty shop for thirty two years before retiring. She had many hobbies such as knitting, crocheting and oil acrylic painting. She also loved bowling; she was a member of St. Johns Bowling League and later joined three other leagues and traveled with a team in the international tournaments. She bowled long enough to receive her Duchess Trophy. She also belonged to LaSenioritas Social Club for many years. In 1994 Zelma attended a reception in Washington, D.C. hosted by President and Mrs. Clinton. She was awarded Life time membership of the NAACP and she was one of the thirteen plaintiffs in Brown vs The Board of Education Civil Rights Suit. She was also one of the five that testified in court. She was the last living survivor of the thirteen plaintiffs. Instate: Monday, May 26; 4-8 p.m. at Bowser Johnson Funeral Chapel where family will receive family and friends from 6-8 p.m. Service: Tuesday, May 27; 1:00 p.m., at St. John A.M.E. church with burial at Mount Hope Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Brown vs The Board of Education Foundation. Zelma Henderson Published in the Topeka Capital-Journal on 5/24/2008.

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