Funeral Information
Location:
Union Baptist Church
Date: 08-28-2025
Time: 11:00 AM
Time: 11:00 AM
Visitation Information
Location:
Union Baptist Church 1405 East Monroe Street, Springfield, Illinois 62703
Date: 08-28-2025
Time: 10:00 AM
Time: 10:00 AM
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Obituary
Haywood Henderson was born on October 29, 1944, in Cheaply, Florida, to his devoted parents, Ethel Gilmore and Haywood Henderson Sr., both of whom preceded him in death.
Haywood was known for his vibrant personality and impeccable sense of style. He took great pride in his appearance, often dressing in fine clothing from Terry’s Men’s World of Springfield. He especially enjoyed supporting Ebony Royale Red Hatters, sporting his signature purple suit and hat with a bold red tie.
Baptized early in life, Haywood discovered his love for music as a child. He would sing in the backyard, using cans and popsicle sticks as makeshift microphones. His passion for performing led him to secretly enter-and win-a singing contest. Though he slipped out of the house without his parents’ knowledge, the prize money was later delivered to them, much to their surprise.
Family was always very important to Haywood’s life. He often reminisced about the closeness of his relatives, describing their homes as being arranged like a horseshoe. He would sketch a horseshoe and point out where each lived, fondly repeating the story over, and over, and over again.
As a young man, Haywood moved to New York City to live with his older brothers. Inspired by his big brother’s service, he longed to join the U.S. Army. Though initially too young, he enlisted as soon as his birthday allowed. During his service, he formed a singing group that traveled throughout Germany, performing for local communities and bringing joy through music.
After his military service, Haywood settled in Springfield, Illinois, where he joined Union Baptist Church under Pastor Rudolph Shoultz and became a member of the choir. He worked as a preschool teacher with Family Service Center before later joining the State of Illinois workforce. Years later, he returned to Union Baptist Church under Pastor T. Ray McJunkins, where he completed the New Members class, joined the Mighty Men’s Chorus, and joyfully participated in the Christmas Cantata under Pastor Shawn Brooks.
In addition to his parents, Haywood was preceded in death by his siblings: brothers Henry D., Dennie, and Danny H. Wright, and sister Tonsaweda Henderson.
He leaves to cherish his precious memory to his loving wife, De. Juana “Sunshine” Henderson; his children: sons Alex Henderson (Tallahassee, FL), Haywood Henderson III (Springfield, IL), Jason Thomas (Latoyia-Toi) of Frankfort, IL, and Brandon Moore (Chicago, IL); daughters Brittany Moore (Austin, TX) and Dr. De. Juana Joseph (Fred) of Orland Park, IL; grandchildren Dontae B., Alexandria D., and Alexia Henderson of Florida; as well as cousins Artist Gilmore, Bishop Anthony Gilmore, Tonsaweda Hayes, and Dennie “Chew.” He is also remembered by a host of extended family members and dear friends. He leaves to cherish his precious memories: his wife, De. Juana “Sunshine” Henderson; his children, Alex Henderson of Tallahassee, Florida, Haywood Henderson III of Springfield, ILllinois; his grandchildren, Dontae B. Henderson, Alexandria D., and Alexia Henderson, all of Florida, Jason Thomas (Latoyia-Toi) of Frankfort, Illinois, Brandon Moore of Chicago, Illinois, and Brittney Moore of Austin, Texas, Dr. De. Juana (Fred) Joseph of Orland Park, Illinois; And some of his favorite cousins, Artist Gilmore, Bishop Anthony Gilmore, Tonsaweda Hayes, and Dennie “Chew”; and a great host of cousins, other family, and friends.
Haywood was known for his vibrant personality and impeccable sense of style. He took great pride in his appearance, often dressing in fine clothing from Terry’s Men’s World of Springfield. He especially enjoyed supporting Ebony Royale Red Hatters, sporting his signature purple suit and hat with a bold red tie.
Baptized early in life, Haywood discovered his love for music as a child. He would sing in the backyard, using cans and popsicle sticks as makeshift microphones. His passion for performing led him to secretly enter-and win-a singing contest. Though he slipped out of the house without his parents’ knowledge, the prize money was later delivered to them, much to their surprise.
Family was always very important to Haywood’s life. He often reminisced about the closeness of his relatives, describing their homes as being arranged like a horseshoe. He would sketch a horseshoe and point out where each lived, fondly repeating the story over, and over, and over again.
As a young man, Haywood moved to New York City to live with his older brothers. Inspired by his big brother’s service, he longed to join the U.S. Army. Though initially too young, he enlisted as soon as his birthday allowed. During his service, he formed a singing group that traveled throughout Germany, performing for local communities and bringing joy through music.
After his military service, Haywood settled in Springfield, Illinois, where he joined Union Baptist Church under Pastor Rudolph Shoultz and became a member of the choir. He worked as a preschool teacher with Family Service Center before later joining the State of Illinois workforce. Years later, he returned to Union Baptist Church under Pastor T. Ray McJunkins, where he completed the New Members class, joined the Mighty Men’s Chorus, and joyfully participated in the Christmas Cantata under Pastor Shawn Brooks.
In addition to his parents, Haywood was preceded in death by his siblings: brothers Henry D., Dennie, and Danny H. Wright, and sister Tonsaweda Henderson.
He leaves to cherish his precious memory to his loving wife, De. Juana “Sunshine” Henderson; his children: sons Alex Henderson (Tallahassee, FL), Haywood Henderson III (Springfield, IL), Jason Thomas (Latoyia-Toi) of Frankfort, IL, and Brandon Moore (Chicago, IL); daughters Brittany Moore (Austin, TX) and Dr. De. Juana Joseph (Fred) of Orland Park, IL; grandchildren Dontae B., Alexandria D., and Alexia Henderson of Florida; as well as cousins Artist Gilmore, Bishop Anthony Gilmore, Tonsaweda Hayes, and Dennie “Chew.” He is also remembered by a host of extended family members and dear friends. He leaves to cherish his precious memories: his wife, De. Juana “Sunshine” Henderson; his children, Alex Henderson of Tallahassee, Florida, Haywood Henderson III of Springfield, ILllinois; his grandchildren, Dontae B. Henderson, Alexandria D., and Alexia Henderson, all of Florida, Jason Thomas (Latoyia-Toi) of Frankfort, Illinois, Brandon Moore of Chicago, Illinois, and Brittney Moore of Austin, Texas, Dr. De. Juana (Fred) Joseph of Orland Park, Illinois; And some of his favorite cousins, Artist Gilmore, Bishop Anthony Gilmore, Tonsaweda Hayes, and Dennie “Chew”; and a great host of cousins, other family, and friends.