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Vivian Dickens Henderson, a native of Lampasas, TX, a recent resident of Mobile, AL., and a long time resident of San Saba,TX., died on Tuesday, October 21, 2008, in Mobile at the home of one of her daughters. She was 90. Mrs. Henderson was born to Arthur Reed Dickens and Vivian Harris Dickens on December 2, 1917. She completed her high school degree at Lampasas High School. In 1939 she wed Paul Duke Henderson to whom she remained married until his death in August 2007. Mrs. Henderson was the loving mother to Greta Gail Henderson Massing, and Karen Kay Henderson Ledbetter. She was an active member of First Presbyterian Church in San Saba, serving there in many capacities over the years. She was also a participant in numerous civic organizations and clubs. Mrs. Henderson was a joyful and faithful servant of the Lord until her last day and is warmly remembered as a supporter and dear friend to many. She particularly served as a source of encouragement and steadfast love to her four granddaughters who fondly called her "Happy."

"Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue...Her children rise up and bless her; her husband also, and he praises her, saying 'many daughters have done nobly, but you exceed them all.'" (from Proverbs 31)

Mrs. Henderson was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Mr. Paul Duke Henderson; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Reed Dickens; her sisters, Ruth Haass and Mildred Scott; and her brother Eugene Dickens.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Greta Massing (George) and Karen Ledbetter (George); her four grandaughters Tiffany Massing (Marc Vinson), Ashley Ledbetter, Sarah Stashak (Michael) and Alison Ledbetter. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, including a faithful niece Linda Pirtle Black and her husband Bob Black.

A memorial service was held at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, October 25, in San Saba at the First Presbyterian Church. Interment was held at the San Saba City Cemetery following the service.

The family requests that memorials be made to Howard Payne University (Attn: Alumni Office, 803 Center Avenue, P.O. Box 2369, Brownwood, TX 76804) in the name of "Vivian and Paul Henderson Scholarship," the First Presbyterian Church of San Saba or the San Saba EMS.

Arrangements were by Howell-Doran Funeral Home, San Saba, Texas.