Joan Elizabeth Henderson

Joan Elizabeth Gibbons Henderson was born in Seattle, WA on December 23, 1939, and peaceful passed away in Sumner, WA on March 28, 2022.  

She was the oldest daughter of Howard and Betty Gibbons, sister of Nancy, all who preceded her in death.  

She was a graduate of the Class of 1958 from Highline High School.  

She married the love of her life, James Henderson on February 3, 1961. The following three Septembers, a new baby came along. Joan’s fulltime job was taking care of her family, of which she did very well. Anyone who knew Joan can attest to the fact that Jim was spoiled! On weekdays, once dinner was over, she would promptly spit shine his work boots before he left. Then she would attend to the other family obligations. 

When the kids got older, instead of her doing her own hair, she began to go to Tina’s. If it were Noon on Friday, you better not be in the way as she left the house, because she was going to Tina’s, and nothing would stop her! Who knew that in later years when Jim’s health was in decline, he looked forward to the big outing each week, with a stop at the sandwich shop, on their way to Tina’s? Joan lovingly cared for Jim until he passed in 2006.  

In June 1984 Joan was made a grandmother for the first time. This is a role she cherished; she was now simply known as GRANNY. She was thrilled when she became a Great Grandma in August 2010. The grandchildren doted on her as if she was the Queen of England. Whatever Granny wanted or needed it was done. If Granny felt that the kids or grandkids were picking on her, which they often did, she announced that “Today was be nice to Granny Day!” and that sometimes, but not always, would end the good-natured harassment.  

Joan loved to travel; in the truck and trailer with Jim, to Europe with Corrine, on cruises with her children and their spouses as well as a grandchild or two. 

Monthly Family Dinners were a highlight of the month for her; she just wanted to be with her family as much as possible.  

October, as her health was declining, she made the decision to move into an Adult Family Home. She was happy and well cared for by Veer and her staff, of which we are very thankful. 

In her final days, she was able to spend time with each of her children and their spouses, the grandchildren and with each of the great grandchildren. You could see the joy in her face with each visit. On the night before she passed, once the last person said their goodnights and goodbyes, she went to sleep at peace knowing that in the morning she would be seeing her beloved Jim.  

She leaves behind her legacy of family and friends. Her children Lorraine (Matthew) Haggard, Thomas (Deborah) Henderson and Corrine (Matt) Crowell. Her “adopted” children, David, Dale and Danny Wamsley, Tracy Sanford, The Tom girls, Christine, Marlene and Charlene, Ellen Trettevik, Lauren “Oscar” (Melinda) Blakely, Angie and Jose. Nieces Danette Henderson, Beth Hales and Nephew David Likes. She was Granny to Jeniffer (Brandon) Smith, Nichole (Isaac) Hoehn, Stephanie (Dominic) Johnson, JJ and Bailey Gallagher, Caleb (Kat) and Noah (Arianna) Wright. Great Granny of Elijah, Owen, and Abigail. Adoptive Granny to Conor, Camdan, Bronwyn, Lucas and Isa. Joan remained close to Jim’s remaining cousins, Billy and Jimmy Belmond0, Shirley (Dean) Carter, Larry Johnson, Jan Lankester and their families.  

Joan will be missed, but her legacy lives on in all those who knew and loved her. 

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