Juanita Henderson

Juanita “GAIL” (Drake) Henderson passed away July 1st, 2018 in Dublin, Ohio after a long and courageous battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. Gail was born in Savannah, GA. to Roger and Willie Mae (Toole) Drake November 6th, 1944. Gail was predeceased by her parents and siblings Howard Drake, Peter Drake and Rita Corpus. She is survived by Harry Henderson, her loving husband of 52 years as well as beloved daughters Cherie (Ray) Niswonger, Stephanie (George) Brand and grandchildren Samantha, Katelyn and Lucas Brand, all of Dublin, Ohio. She is also survived by brothers Wayne Collins, Morris (Debbie) Drake, Dean (Jane) Drake, Eddie (Rachel) Cox and sisters Theresa (Rev David) Riner, Brenda (Edwin) Burnsed, and Diane (Phillip) Grovenstein and numerous nieces, nephews and many dear friends. After graduating from Savannah High School in 1962, Gail worked as a switchboard operator for Southern Bell. Then, on a beautiful southern evening, she met a young airman from Pennsylvania, who would become the love of her life, and 30 days later they were married. Gail became an Air Force wife, traveling where ever the Air Force sent them – two tours in Germany, one in England as well as numerous stateside assignments. She also kept the home fires burning during Harry’s deployments to Thailand, Turkey and Spain. After Harry’s retirement from the Air Force in 1988, the family resided in Plano, TX and Ft. Lauderdale, FL before finally settling in Dublin in 1994. Gail always had a love of travel, visiting all 50 states and over 50 countries. Besides loving and caring for her family, Gail found time to work for US Civil Service in several capacities and as a docent at the Ohio State Capitol and many years as a meals on wheels volunteer in Columbus. An avid reader, she truly enjoyed “Book Club” and “Bunko” with her buds, time spent with family and friends at the lake house at Indian Lake and RV-ing to 35 states. Gail lived and enjoyed life to the fullest and was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother and will be sorely missed by all whose lives she touched. The family would like to thank the health aides and medical staff of VITAS Home Hospice for their wonderful care during Gail’s illness. Gail’s family will receive friends from 10-11 am Thursday at the TIDD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 5265 Norwich Street, Hilliard, OH 43026 (614)-876-1722 where her Funeral Service will follow at 11 AM with The Reverend David Riner, officiating. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations to Cure PSP, 1206 York Road, Suite L-4, Lutherville, MD 21093 or the Mid Ohio Food Bank, 3960 Brookham Drive, Grove City, OH 43123. www.tiddfuneralservice.com