Hazel Juanita

Henderson

Hazel Juanita Henderson daughter of the late Beulah Pearl Hawkins and Ivy Lloyd Martin was born at Black, Missouri, on February 5, 1927. She departed this life at Hillcrest Care Center in Desoto, Missouri, on March 25, 2021, at the age of 94.

On July 19, 1947 in St. Louis, Missouri, Juanita was united in marriage to Willie Leon Clayton and to this union three children were born. He preceded her in death on September 9, 1965. She later married Walter Monroe Henderson on August 13, 1966 in Caseyville, Illinois. He preceded her in death on May 2, 1994. She was a homemaker and an avid gardener during the spring and summer. During the fall and winter, she enjoyed piecing together quilts for family and friends. Joining in 1947, she was the oldest member of the Pleasant Union United Baptist Church in Black. Juanita often shared personal stories about the Great Depression and WWII. While living in St. Louis during the war, she wrote letters to many soldiers and kept pictures of them in family albums. She also went to the "picture show" with some when they were in the city.

Juanita's father Elder Ivy Lloyd Martin, a circuit preacher in the 30's, was also her pastor for about 10 years. She was blessed with a beautiful singing voice, often singing specials in her home church as well as other United Baptist Churches in the Central United Baptist Association. One of her signature songs was "Mansion over the Hilltop".

Juanita was preceded in death by her parents, one son, Vincent Lee Clayton, her brother, Earl Glenwood Martin, and one sister, Carol Joyce Clines.

Juanita is survived by her daughter, Deborah Gwen Clayton of Dittmer, Missouri, and one son, Chad G.     (Salvacion) Clayton of Union, Washington, a grandson, Christopher Clayton of St. Louis, Missouri, one sister, Dorothy Bradshaw of Black, Missouri, numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends.

Face coverings are required at the cemetery and per family request no pictures are to be taken.

Graveside Services will be held March 27 ^th at 11 at Myers Cemetery                                                                               Minister: Pastor Denny Mathes                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Arrangements by McSpadden Funeral Home, Lesterville, Missouri