Joyce Maxine Henderson-Saulsberry
May 27, 2011
On Septembe 28, 2009, we paused in respect and bowed in the humble submission to the will of our Father in heaven who on September 22, 2009 claimed one of His own, Joyce Maxine Saulsberry (lovingly known as “Maxine”).
Maxine was born to the union of Ernest and Ruby Maxine Henderson, on July 20, 1947, in Los Angeles, CA. She was the second of three children, the only daughter. She was most beloved by her parents and brothers, she was the apple of her dad’s eye.
Maxine accepted Christ at a young age and was a member of Triumph the Church and Kingdom of God in Christ. She served faithful as a member of the youth, young adult, mass, and adult choirs. She gladly offered her services in the church in any capacity needed. She was a member of the Redmon singers where she traveled as far east as Washington DC, singing the praises of the Lord. For over 10 years, she lent her strong alto voice singing with the James Cleveland Community choir. James Cleveland was quoted to have said that Maxine’s ability to carry the alto section was outstanding.
She attended David Star Jordan High School where she graduated with honors in 1965. She later graduated from Los Angeles Trade Technical College where she received her Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) license.
She met Gene Saulsberry in Los Angeles CA where they fell in love and later married on July 4, 1965. From this union, two lovely daughters, Christlynn and Letitia, were born. The family enjoyed spending time with loved ones and enjoying each others company.
Maxine cherished her daughters and was there to support them in all of their activities. She was an exemplary mother. She extended her love beyond her immediate family; she was a loving grandmother, sister, niece, aunt, cousin, and friend.
Maxine was preceded in death by her parents, and her older brother Earnest. She leaves to cherish her precious memories a long time and special friend Nathaniel Oliver; brother Melvin Henderson; sister-in-law Tina; sister Izola Hale; daughters Christlynn Saulsberry and Letitia Clark; son-in-law Christopher Clark; grandchildren Christopher Clark Jr. of Bellevue, WA, Christopher Wilson, Jasmine Clark and Cedric Edwards all of Los Angeles, CA.; aunts Mattie Markham and Sarah May Stephens of Oakland, CA and Mary Henderson of Darnell, LA; 3 nieces, 4 nephews; 1 great-niece, great-nephew; ex-husband and lifetime friend Gene Saulsberry, and a host of family and friends.