Jean Murray Henderson

Jean Murray Henderson, 93, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2026, following a brief illness. She was born in Hollis, Oklahoma, on September 8, 1933, the only child of W.E. and Oma Murray. In the late 1940s, her family moved to Borger, Texas, where she graduated from Borger High School. She married her high school sweetheart, Wayne Henderson, in 1951, and together they celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary in June 2020 preceding Wayne’s death in December of that year. Jean and Wayne moved from Borger to Amarillo in 1957 and established the Country Meat Market, a successful retail market that they sold in 1974. Throughout their many years together, Jean directly supported Wayne in various business enterprises. Together with business partners, they developed the Rolling Hills residential subdivision north of Amarillo. As the principals of Wayne Henderson Construction Inc., they served as the general contractor in the construction of numerous residential and commercial properties in the area. Later, they were successful in the design and construction of meat processing plants across Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico until Wayne’s retirement in 1993.

Jean was first and foremost a devoted mother and grandmother, a dedicated homemaker, a master chef in the kitchen, and an accomplished needle artist teaching countless others her talents and techniques. She crafted more than 200 quilts and over 150 wool rugs - many completed from the porch of their vacation home at the headwaters of the Rio Grande River. Wayne and Jean enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. By their example, they instilled in their sons and others the value of hard work, education, devotion to family, the enjoyment of travel, and genuine respect for all people regardless of their circumstances. At age 89, Jean authored a collection of her memories and her life story which is cherished by her family. Jean was a member of Amarillo’s Central Church of Christ.

Jean is survived by her three sons, Dr. Eddie Henderson, Dr. Mike Henderson and wife, Dr. Robin Martinez, and Jody Henderson and wife, Leah Henderson, all of Amarillo. For her daughters-in-law, Jean lovingly and unselfishly stepped in to fill the role of mother unfailingly. She is survived by seven grandchildren: Dr. Cortney Henderson, Dr. Chris Henderson, Micah Henderson, Dr. Marca McCallie, Hunter and Fletcher Martinez Henderson, and Nathan Henderson; eight great-grandchildren; and by her faithful friends, Carolyn Hawkins and Tammy Quackenbush. Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne, and son, Timothy.

The family expresses sincere appreciation to the caring staff at The Sycamore and The Continental at Park Central and the BSA Hospice of the Southwest for their excellent and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the High Plains Food Bank.

A private family internment will follow at a future date in Llano Cemetery. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.