Kathryn Defee Henderson

Mrs. Kathryn Defee Henderson, 89, a resident of Glenwood, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 7, 2020, at Jackson Hospital in Montgomery. A graveside for Mrs. Henderson will be held at 2 PM on Sunday, August 9th, in Providence Cemetery with the eulogy being delivered by Erik Henderson and Turners Funeral Home of Luverne directing.

Mrs. Henderson was a phenomenal woman, by any standard. She and her husband, Bazil Henderson, founded the Glenwood Cafe in the 1980s and ran it themselves for many years. They epitomized the definition of hard work by getting up every morning before dawn in order to get breakfast and coffee started in time for their regulars to begin filing in. They served both breakfast and lunch, and her cheeseburgers with their toasted buns were considered absolute perfection.

Mrs. Henderson was known far and wide for her excellent cooking. She served her freshly-baked pies and cakes in her cafe, and she continued to sell all kinds of desserts from her kitchen for numerous years after selling the cafe. Her door was always open to her family and community, and a visit often included offers of a home-cooked meal, or whatever dessert she had handy. Those offers were readily accepted by all. Her family fondly remembers all those homemade breakfasts she served them on visits, and they considered her biscuits the absolute best. Whether it was a dessert, a can of homemade preserves, or just a listening ear, she was always focused on taking care of others.

Mrs. Henderson was a beloved fixture of her community in Glenwood, especially because of her kind, nurturing, and selfless soul. She was honored by her community several years ago when she was named Queen of their annual Festival at the Well. Along with all of the arts, crafts, and performances, the festival included a parade in which she was the star, riding on the back of a convertible so that she could wave at the crowd.

Above all, Mrs. Henderson was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She and her husband adored their only son, and were devastated by his tragic death, but they were not broken by it. Instead, they focused all of that love on their two grandchildren. She modeled how to survive even the worst life could throw at you, and how to handle it without self-pity or regret. She will be sorely missed by all those who knew and loved her, but they will cherish all of the cherished memories they built together.

Mrs. Henderson was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Bazil Henderson; their son, Walter Kenneth Henderson; and five siblings, Inis Davis, Doris Seaman, Vernon Defee, W.T. Defee, and Marybelle Johnson. She is survived by her two grandchildren, Erik (Kristin) Henderson and Wendy (Thad) Henley; four great-grandchildren, Carson Henderson, Addison Henderson, Annason Henderson, and Matthew Henley; sister, Myrtice Howel; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Active pallbearers will be Carson Henderson, Matthew Henley, Thad Henley, Bobby Stephens, Derrick Fincher, and Josh Fincher.