Glasgow resident, Elsie Oakes Henderson, who recently celebrated her 100^th birthday, passed away at University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia on February 6, 2023.

Elsie Oakes Henderson was born January 17, 1923 in Halifax County, VA, and baptized in a Baptist Church.  She was one of six children born to the late Ospha Troy and Mary Esser (Thorne) Oakes.  Elsie graduated from high school in Kenbridge, VA and furthered her education attending Longwood College for two years.  When WWII broke out, Elsie and her two sisters left for Washington DC where Elsie worked for the Internal Revenue Service, while their three brothers went overseas to fight in the war.  Her future husband, Walter Henderson, Jr., was on furlough from his military duties in Washington DC when he met Elsie.  Walter was actually introduced to Elsie as “Jack Harris” and Elsie, always lively and determined, forever referred to him as Jack.  On June 22, 1946, Elsie married her Jack at a Baptist Church in Kenbridge, VA.  Under this union, the couple celebrated 28 years of marriage and three daughters.  Walter preceded Elsie in death on September 27, 1974. 

When the couple came to Glasgow, Elsie worked alongside her husband for many years and helped in all capacities at the family business, Henderson’s Drug Store.  Elsie was active in the community and held memberships with the PTA, Glasgow Study Club, Business and Professional Women, and the American Legion Auxiliary.  She participated in multiple bridge clubs, was active with the Glasgow Senior Center, enjoyed going to the boat and spending time with her family.  Elsie was an avid sports fan, watching, listening and following all things sport.  Elsie especially loved cheering for her Cardinals, Chiefs, Tigers, Glasgow Yellowjackets, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-nephews.  Elsie earned the name “Lucky Gram” from her grandchildren and that’s how she was known to her greats as well.

Survivors include her three daughters, Mary Elsie (J.Y.) Henderson Miller of Glasgow, MO, Carol (Larry) Henderson Fuemmeler of Glasgow, and Grovene Henderson of Columbia, MO; four grandchildren, J.Y. (Lori) Miller, III, Troy (Jenny) Fuemmeler, Susan (Michael) Weiseman, and Sarah (Jamie) Henderson Barber; 10 great-grandchildren, Addison and Jackson Miller, Dalton and Olivia Fuemmeler, Ephram, Eliana and  Elliston Weiseman, and James, Bradley and Nicholas Barber; sister-in-law Delma (Sander) Henderson; nephew David (Sarah) Henderson; great-nephews Joshua and Zachary Henderson.  In addition to her husband and parents, Elsie was preceded in death by her two sisters and three brothers.  She was also preceded in death by her brother-in-laws, Bill Henderson and Joseph Henderson.

Funeral service will be held 11 AM, Friday, February 10, 2023 at Friemonth-Freese Funeral Home in Glasgow, MO, with Rev. Karen Alden officiating.  Visitation will be held an hour before the service.  Burial will follow the service at Washington Cemetery in Glasgow

Memorial contributions are suggested to Glasgow United Methodist Church or Glasgow Senior Center, c/o Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service, 112 Market St., Glasgow, MO 65254.