Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Clara Henderson Obituary
Apr 3, 1949 - Apr 7, 2023
Waco, TX
Clara Jean (McNulty) Henderson, 74, passed away Good Friday, April 7, 2023, at Providence Hospice Place, Waco, Texas.
Clara was born Easter Sunday, April 3, 1949, at Providence Hospital, Sandusky, the middle child of nine. In her youth, she was often referred to by the nickname "Penny," because of her copper-colored hair. Clara was a gifted artist and performer and life-long lover and supporter of the arts. In her teenage years, she had roles in many stage productions. Her favorite roles as a teenager were starring in My Fair Lady and On a Clear Day You Can See Forever. She graduated from St. Mary Central Catholic High School, Sandusky, in 1967.
As an adult, Clara enjoyed being a patron of many Broadway musicals and symphony concerts. She moved to Waco, Texas, in 1978, and married Daniel W. Henderson on Nov. 6, 1980. She quickly became integral to the success of the Uncle Dan's Barbecue restaurants. She is credited with many of the recipes the restaurant still uses and is singularly responsible for inventing the famed "Texas Tater." Clara graduated magna cum laude from Baylor University in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science in education. Elementary education was her passion and calling. Throughout her teaching career, she was repeatedly honored as "teacher of the year" and recurrently honored by former students as an educator that was integral to their love of learning and academic success. Clara was an active member of St. Jerome's Catholic Church in Hewitt, Texas.
Clara is survived by her husband, Daniel W. Henderson Sr.; daughter, Heather Henry; daughter, Hillary Johnson, and husband Chad Johnson; son, Daniel W. Henderson Jr., and wife, Lauren Henderson; and five grandchildren, Jackson Henry, Margaret Henry, Whitley Johnson, Mason Henderson, and Ella Johnson.
Clara was preceded in death by her father, Stephen E. McNulty, in 1994; brother, Stephen G. McNulty, in 1997; mother, Margaret McNulty, in 2004; and brother, Gregory P. McNulty, in 2020.
Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Saturday, April 29, 2023, at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 9820 Chapel Road, Waco, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fuzzy Friends Animal Rescue (https://fuzzyfriendsrescue.com/donate/memorials-and-honorariums), LaVega Independent School District (https://www.lavegaisd.org/community/pirates-education-foundation/support), or Mission Waco (https://missionwaco.org/donate/).
The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our "Tribute Wall" at www.WHBfamily.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Clara Henderson
Sponsored by Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home.
Adelia Williams
April 3, 2024
God bless you Danny and all your family. Clara is greatly missed and will never be forgotten.
Maria Navarro
April 2, 2024
Your memory will live forever in the hearts of those who love you. Even though I never met you in person I know you were a great mom and amazing talented woman because you had great recipes and you left your mark with your delicious white potato salad. May you Rest in peace Ms Clara.
Byron & Bridget Jenkins
April 25, 2023
Dear Dan, Heather, Daniel, Hillary and Family:
We are so very sorry to hear of Clara´s death! May God give you His extra strength and guidance during this very difficult time! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sending you all big hugs and lots of love!
Byron & Bridget Jenkins
Mimi and Jim Jasek
April 24, 2023
Dear Danny and Family, there simply are no words that can bring comfort, but you all fought the good fight with her for as long as she needed. We are so very sorry for your loss, but memories are to be treasured, and just the thought of her beautiful smile and wonderful laughter will always bring us joy. May God be with you and bring you to the other side of your grief. With love always, Mimi and Jim Jasek
How you can show support
Jimmy Dorrell
April 24, 2023
I only got to know Clara the last couple of years when she and Dan would occasionally visit Church Under the Bridge together. What a sweet woman and what a joy to watch Dan love her so well through her health challenges. "In all the things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us!" (Rom 8:37)
The Sykora Family
April 24, 2023
Our deepest sympathy for Dan and all his family. Clara was one of the kindest and most intelligent teachers I ever worked with. May she rest in peace & may God watch over this beautiful family. Jimmy & Cyndi Sykora
Hope Dominguez-Reese
April 23, 2023
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. So sorry for your loss.
Sheila Williams Carpenter
April 23, 2023
I am so sorry for the loss of your wonderful wife and mother. She was a tremendous inspiration and influence to all who knew her.
Cheyanne Bennett
April 23, 2023
I´m honored to say that I got know Mrs.Henderson and I´m a short 6 month time of getting to know her she was a bright light to this world she always had a smile and she loved owls I´m privileged to have met and cared for her she is truly an angel inside and out
Rick Nelson
April 21, 2023
I remember dating "Penny" when we were in our teens. She was a sweetheart. She loved Smokey Robinson as her favorite singer. Her parents were always kind to me when I would come over to see her. My deepest condolences go out to her family and friends. May God help you all get through this difficult time.
Cheryl Best Wilke
April 20, 2023
Clara had a beautiful voice and starred in our h.s. musicals. Her laugh was contagious. Deepest condolences to her family and friends.
Adelia Williams
April 19, 2023
My heart goes out to a wonderful family. I know Clara was deeply loved by her husband and children. She blessed her grandchildren with the deepest love.
Mary Jane (Creager) Shoffner
April 19, 2023
Deepest sympathy to the family.
My mom lived on the corner of First and Anderson Streets in Sandusky. It was nice to see "Penny" grow up. Sorry for your loss. She was always so nice to my mom Arrah.
Lorrie Rager Metcalf
April 13, 2023
My sincere condolences and prayers for all the family and friends! May God help you all find peace and comfort!
Mr and Mrs Ralph Navarro
April 8, 2023
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results
Memorial Events
for Clara Henderson
People and places connected with Clara
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Clara's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Clara Henderson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
