NEWPORT – Phyllis Elaine Henderson, 89, died peacefully Jan. 21, 2009, surrounded by her family, at her home. Phyllis was born Sept. 10, 1919, in South Brewer, the third child of Raymond R. and Myrtle M. (Ware) Emerson. She attended Newport schools and was a graduate of Newport High School, Class of 1938. She then attended and graduated from Eastern Maine General Hospital School of Nursing, Class of 1941, as a registered nurse. She worked at Eastern Maine General Hospital for several years until she joined the U.S. Army. Phyllis was a first lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps, serving in England and Germany. In 1948 Phyllis obtained a private pilot’s license and spent many enjoyable hours flying with her brother, Jerry. Phyllis’s faith and trust in God guided her throughout her life. On Sept. 15, 1950, she married Elmer E. “Sank” Henderson Jr. and was a devoted and loving wife and mother. In the 1960s Phyllis served her community as a public health nurse. She was a member of High Street Congregational Church, UCC. She was a member of the board of directors and an active worker at Newport Community Food Bank for many years. Phyllis is survived by her son and his wife, Eugene and Amy Henderson of Newport; her daughter and her husband, Sue and Keith Brown of Washburn; one sister, Rena Tardy; three sisters-in-law, Mary Emerson, Roberta Emerson and Arline Pillsbury; seven grandchildren, Robert, Amy and Christina Henderson, Melissa Devack, Tara Jourden, Nathan Brown and Sarah Diette; two great-granddaughters, Emmerson and Eleanor Brown; several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; her first husband, Roy “Curly” Erwin, who during World War II was killed in action in 1945; her husband of 55 years, Elmer “Sank” Henderson; two brothers and two sisters. Friends may call 2-3 and 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, at Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Service Center, 34 High St., Newport, where funeral service will be conducted 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, with the Rev. Dorothy Matson and Pastor Al Worden officiating. Spring interment will be in the family lot at Riverside Cemetery, Newport. Friends who wish may make memorial donations to Newport Community Food Bank, 26 High St., Newport, ME 04953. To sign an online guest book and leave written tributes, please visit www.PhilipBrownFuneralHome.com.
PHYLLIS E. (EMERSON) HENDERSON
