Pearl Elizabeth Henderson

Pearl Elizabeth Cary Henderson, 104, beloved wife, mother, teacher, and friend, passed away on August 4, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Funeral Service: 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 7, 2026 at First Baptist Church in Springtown, Texas.

Visitation: 1 - 2 p.m., Friday, August 7, 2026 at First Baptist Church in Springtown, Texas.

Interment: Friday, August 7, 2026 in Goshen Cemetery in Springtown, Texas.

Pearl was born on September 17, 1921, in Eden, Texas. As a young child, her family lived briefly in Wichita Falls before settling on a 160-acre farm near Bridgeport, Texas, where she was raised. She often spoke fondly of her childhood on the farm and the people who influenced her life. It was there that she began attending the Pleasant Valley Methodist Church, where her lifelong faith in Christ took root.

Pearl graduated from Odessa High School and attended Texas Tech University before beginning a 33-year career as a second-grade teacher in Fort Worth. She loved teaching and dedicated her life to caring for and encouraging her students.

Pearl met the love of her life, Babe Henderson, who was the local school principal in Boonesville. They were married on March 17, 1944, and made their home in Fort Worth, where they raised their family. They enjoyed spending time together, especially taking drives through the countryside.

Pearl was known for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith. She always looked for opportunities to encourage others and share the love of Christ. Beginning at the age of 97, she gave away more than 1,300 Bibles, praying that each person who received one would come to know the Lord. She was also known for writing personal letters of encouragement and blessing to family and friends for special occasions such as graduations and engagements.

Those who knew Pearl remember her as joyful and gracious, with a gentle spirit and a heart quick to forgive. She had a playful sense of humor and a lighthearted nature, yet she was deeply sincere in her faith and her desire to help others know Jesus. She especially treasured time spent with her husband, Babe, and one of her favorite pastimes was riding around the pastures with him.

Pearl leaves behind a legacy of faith, kindness, generosity, and love that will continue through her family, friends, former students, and the many lives she touched.

Pearl was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Babe Henderson; her parents, William E. Cary and Maggie Ethel Lee Cary; sister Lenora Pike; and daughter-in-law Judy Henderson.

Pearl is survived by her children, Andy Henderson, Forrest Henderson (Germania), and Liz Brown (Mike); granddaughter Christy Ross (Ryan) and their children Kathryn and Sarah; grandson Chad Henderson (Stacey) and their children Cole and Cash; granddaughter Debbie Maples (Chris) and their children Hannah, Josh and Melanie; her special nephew Leighton Pike and niece Doris Evartt.

Pearl’s family would also like to thank the nurses with Solaris Hospice and Springtown Park Nursing Center for taking such good care of Pearl.