Iris Faye Henderson went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the morning of September 7, 2024. The daughter of the late Clyde Horace Franks and Esther Grace Farmer Franks, Iris was born in Perry County, Kentucky, on September 18, 1932.
Iris was predeceased by her husband James Eugene Henderson whom she married June 1, 1957. She was also predeceased by an infant son, Joel, brothers Robert Kenneth and Ronald Wayne Franks, sisters-in-law, Juanita Franks and Nancy Bland, grandsons Michael Henderson and Yousef Moradi.
Iris is survived by her sons James Eugene (Elisabeth) and Jon Franks (Audrey), granddaughters Jaclyn (William) Booze, Jaynell (James) Bonham, Jeanna (Jonathan) Kasel, June Mondae (Kory) Christman, Alexandria and Brittani, grandsons Jon Franks (Danielle), and Steven (Nicole), great granddaughters, Isabelle, Lillian Iris, Elena, Penelope and great grandsons, James "Jimmy", James "Jamie", Peter, Tucker, Samuel, Jacob, Jovanni, Myles and Jon Franks III "Jack".
Iris received her Bachelor of Education degree from Carson Newman College in Jefferson City, Tennessee where she met her husband. Following graduation from Carson Newman College, Iris received her master's degree in early childhood education from the University of Tennessee.
Iris, a lifelong teacher, taught in many public schools as well as was the founder of several day care centers including Mrs. Henderson's Day Care Center in Columbus, Ohio and Wee Cherish Day Care Center. Iris had a vision for day care for children in a home setting for full time working mothers. She pioneered an inclusive model of an early educational environment where children of all heritages and intellectual abilities were welcomed, nurtured and taught to read.
The family wishes to thank those caregivers who were also very special friends, Sarah Bates, Mary Feldner, Marie Cutlip and the very caring staff at the Embassy of Cambridge who Iris loved.
The family invites everyone who wishes to honor Iris' memory to join us Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the Wee Cherish Childcare Center at 60724 Southgate Road, Byesville, Ohio, for a Memorial Open House from 1 PM to 6 PM. A private internment service will be held for the family.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7-8