Eloise “Lella” McCarroll Henderson

Eloise “Lella” McCarroll Henderson, 83, of Cameron went to be with God on July 8, 2018, in Bryan, Texas.

She was born on May 9, 1935 in Jacksonville, Texas. She married John Burns Henderson Jr. on June 8, 1956, in Rusk, Texas.

She was preceded in death by their son John III; son-in-law, Bijan; brother, Sonny; her parents, Lewis and Eloise McCarroll; and in-laws, John and Fan Henderson.

Lella is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, John; her children, Eloise Bouzari and Elizabeth Leeper (Kenneth); and her grandchildren, Ali Bouzari (Liz), Kelsey Reed (Joe), John David Leeper, and Meri Bouzari. She is survived by her sisters, Ann Irwin (John) and Susan Birdwell (Michael); and sister-in-laws, Virginia McCarroll and Jane Swan (Curt). She is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and their children.

John and Lella met while attending the University of Texas at Austin, where Lella was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha. Following John’s naval service and law school, they returned to Cameron. Lella played a vital role in John’s 40 years of law practice as his secretary. Together John and Lella sang in the choir at the First United Methodist Church in Cameron for over 50 years. Lella was our devoted Mama, Mimi, and Grandmama. She was a prime example of a Proverbs 31 woman. She had an amazing way of making everyone feel like her favorite. She was an outstanding cook, and one of her many love languages was blessing her loved ones and the community with her wonderful home cooking. Lella served as the hands and feet of Jesus for many years. Some examples of her selfless service include her involvement in United Methodist Women, serving homebound communion, and volunteering her time in teaching sewing lessons. Her family is confident that on July 8 she heard “well done my good and faithful servant.”

There will be a celebration of Lella’s life on Wednesday, July 11, at 2 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 208 W. 2nd Street, Cameron, Texas 76520. Services are under the direction of Marek-Burns-Laywell Funeral Home in Cameron.