Henderson, Gloria Listach (Mrs. Freddie)

When I am Gone

When I am gone
Do not moan
I would have lived a complete life
Usually without much strife
Sometimes it is hard to remember my short stay here
Found out when I'd hear someone sing
They would sing the songs of old
The Melodious sounds would fill my very soul
So when I'm gone, sing me one of the old melodious songs
Let it be one of those songs of old
That used to fill my very soul
Written by: Gloria Listach Henderson

Our beloved Gloria Listach Henderson departed this life on Sunday, September 20, 2009 after a lengthy illness. She was born August 13, 1944 in Natchitoches , Louisiana . She was the youngest of seven children born to the late Nora and Annie Listach, Sr. Gloria was a devoted wife, mother, aunt, sister, teacher and friend.

Gloria, “Glo”, as she was known by many of her family and friends, attended Natchitoches Central and went on to further her education at Grambling State University . She obtained a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and began her teaching career in Natchitoches , Louisiana . On June 4, 1966 , Gloria married her childhood sweetheart, Rev. Freddie C. Henderson . To this union, three children were born, Freddie Jr., Nora and Keisha (Thurmeliues).

Following college graduation, Gloria and Freddie continued their education in Atlanta , Georgia , where Gloria obtained her Master's degree in Social Work from Clark Atlanta University . After obtaining their degrees, Gloria and Freddie moved their family back home to Louisiana where Gloria continued her career at Southern University as an instructor in Social Welfare. After the birth of their daughter, Gloria returned to Southern University as a counselor for several years. She later went on to further her career as a Social Worker for the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired. Gloria adored her young students there and the feelings were mutual as evidenced by the number of them who remained in contact with her well into their adulthood. She later went on to work for the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board as a Pupil Appraisal Specialist until her retirement in 1993.

Gloria devoted her life to her family and the people with whom she worked. She had an indescribable gift of touching people's lives and making an impact on every single person with whom she came in contact. She had a passion for writing poetry, music and enjoying her family. Hailed as one of the best cooks in the family, “Glo” was famous for her gumbo and practically anything else she whipped up. She had an unmistakable sense of honesty and wit because she always spoke from her heart…you didn't have to wonder how she felt about anything!

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents; Nora and Annie Listach; one brother, Nora Listach, Jr.; and one sister, Audrey Listach Kellis. She leaves to celebrate her life, her devoted husband of 43 years, Rev. Freddie C. Henderson ; three children, Freddie Jr., Nora and Keisha (Thurmeliues), eight grandchildren; three sisters; Cora, Gracie (Daniel) and Learmia; one brother, John (Edna) and a host of nieces, nephews, and other friends and family.