Joyce Gilmore Henderson was born to the late Janie and Jacob Gilmore on February 4, 1939 in Asheville, NC. Joyce attended the public schools of Asheville and graduated from Stephens Lee High School. In high school she played varsity basketball, was a member of the band, and served as secretary of the student council. Following her high school graduation, Joyce went on to study at Hampton Institute (Hampton University) in Hampton, VA. Later, she studied business and played basketball at Cortez Business College in Washington, DC. She went on to become a top level award winning Mary Kay Cosmetics saleswoman.

But most importantly, she was a loving wife and homemaker. Mrs. Henderson enjoyed managing Winston-Salem City Pools including Winston Lake and Blum Park. She was loved by her staff and all those who frequented her pools.

She enjoyed cooking, traveling, shopping, swimming, and motivating everyone she came in contact with to reach their greatest potential.

Joyce Gilmore Henderson was a woman who wore many hats and was known by many names. Some called her "Mrs. Mary Kay"; others called her "Mrs. Blum"; yet a few knew her as "Mother Love".

Joyce departed this life on Sunday, January 8, 2017 in her home
surrounded by family.

Joyce leaves her high school sweetheart and husband of 55 + 7 years, Benjamin F.; as well as her four children to celebrate her memory, Victor, Tamara, Yomi, and Benjamin G. (Anarah); two grandchildren, Benjamin A. and Hope; she will be missed by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, classmates, and dear friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Friday, January 13, 2017 at First Baptist Church with Pastor Anarah Sullivan Henderson officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 12:30pm until 1:00pm on Friday at the Church.

At this time, the Henderson Family requests extended privacy during their time of bereavement.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Capital Campaign Fund- First Baptist Church, 700 N. Highland Avenue Winston-Salem, NC 27101.