Carrie was a member of the former Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Belleville, IL. She was employed at the Bismark restaurant in Belleville, IL, when she completed and received her certification from the St. Louis Public Schools of Technical and Related Instruction in Quantity Food Preparation sponsored by the Food Service Industry Career Guidance Council in 1961. After leaving the Bismark restaurant, Carrie was employed at the Lincoln Jug, Belleville, IL, as head cook and kitchen manager for over twenty-five years until she retired. She was especially known for her steaks and homemade soups. Carrie also received her certification in Foodservice Sanitation in 1979 from Belleville Area College and the State of Illinois Department of Public Health.
Raised on a farm, Carrie appreciated nature and loved the outdoors and enjoyed sitting in her backyard. She loved to cook, sew, quilt, and garden. Carrie was admired for her flower garden and her beautiful roses; a family friend refers to her as “the rose lady”. Known as “Gram” to many, Carrie was a wonderful neighbor and friend. Humble and kind, she never met a stranger; everyone was welcome. Her favorite thing was time spent with her family and she loved them all unconditionally.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Foster Henderson; a son, PFC James Loyd Manning; her father, Loyd Henry Sr; her mother, Mary Celeste, nee Lindsey, Henry; a brother, Loyd Henry, Jr.; a nephew, Lester Hopkins; a sister, Catherine Sallee; her stepmother, Azalea Henry; an uncle, Nelson Henry; and a grandson, Jeffrey A. Royston.
She is survived by her children, Norma J. Royston of Belleville, IL, Daisy B. Stokes of Decatur, GA, Mary C. Manning of Belleville, IL, Michael D. Henderson of Belleville, IL, and Theresa L. Henderson of Belleville, IL;
three grandchildren, Melvin L. Royston of California, Christina M. Manning of Florida, and Michael J. Manning of Georgia;
three great-grandchildren, Staff Sergeant Benjamin C. Manning of Maryland, Kia Brantley-Combs of North Carolina, Solana L. Royston of Arizona;
a great-great-grandson, Jayce Combs;
and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces, and great-great nephews, and cousins.
Memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Funeral: Private graveside services will be held Monday, February 22, 2021, at Walnut Hill Cemetery, Belleville, IL, with Rev. Thomas Donley officiating.