Peggie Ann Henderson

Peggie Ann Henderson, 74, of Memphis, Tennessee, passed away on July 27, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, strength, and joy. Born June 12, 1952, in Shelby, Mississippi, Peggie was the beloved child of Jesse Cooper and Willie B. Cooper, who preceded her in death. From an early age, she carried a sweet spirit, a lively spark, and a heart for encouraging others—qualities that would warm the hearts of many throughout her life. After completing high school, she enrolled in Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to begin her undergraduate studies. While attending Rust College, she was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

She later moved to Chicago, Illinois, where she completed both her undergraduate studies and her master’s degree in Elementary Education. During that season of her life, she met the love of her life, James Edward Henderson, Jr., and they were married in December of 1976. Together, they built a home grounded in faith, family, laughter, and devotion, and they lovingly raised seven children who were among Peggie’s greatest joys.

Peggie devoted more than 40 years to education, serving as an educator and school counselor in Chicago, Illinois, and later in Cincinnati, Ohio. She brought wisdom, encouragement, and care into every classroom, hallway, and conversation, touching the lives of students, families, and colleagues along the way. After retiring and following the passing of her husband, she relocated to Memphis, Tennessee, to be closer to her siblings. She joined the Greater Memphis Pentecostal Assembly under the leadership of Pastor Alvin Ray, Sr., where she was welcomed with open arms and surrounded with love and support until her passing.

Peggie found joy in cooking for her family and friends, gathering loved ones close, and making people feel welcomed and cared for. She had a wonderful spunk about her—a bright, spirited way of speaking, laughing, loving, and encouraging—that made time with her feel special. To know Peggie was to experience love in the everyday moments: a warm meal, a kind word, a listening ear, a joyful laugh, and the steady encouragement she gave so freely. Her sweet spirit warmed many hearts, and the love she shared will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her.

Peggie is survived by her seven children: Lydia (Douglas) Miller, Iwin (Melissa) Henderson, Sherry (Matthew) Pearson, Gregory Henderson, Darnell (Lacy) Henderson, Joseph Henderson, and Candace (Chao Jie) Zhen; five grandchildren: Bryce Tyson, Aniyah Tyson, James Henderson, Kai Zhen and Hayden Henderson; and her siblings: Lucile (Fred) Eldridge, Jesse Cooper, McKinley (Bessie Cooper) Mertha Campbell, Isaac Cooper, Donnie (Mary) Cooper, and Charles Cooper.

She is also lovingly remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, dear friends, former students, and all whose hearts were touched by her love, encouragement, and sweet spirit.

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