Eloise "Lella" McCarroll

Eloise “Lella” McCarroll Henderson, 83, of Cameron went to be with God on July 8, 2018 in Bryan, Texas. She was born on May 9, 1935 in Jacksonville, Texas. Lella graduated from Rusk High School in 1953 and was chosen by her classmates as “Best-All-Around.” She married John Burns Henderson, Jr. on June 8, 1956 in Rusk, Texas. She was preceded in death by their son John III, son-in-law Bijan, brother, Sonny, her parents Lewis and Eloise McCarroll, and in-laws John and Fan Henderson. Lella is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, John, her children Eloise Bouzari and Elizabeth Leeper (Kenneth), her grandchildren Ali Bouzari (Liz), Kelsey Reed (Joe), John David Leeper, and Meri Bouzari. She is survived by her sisters Ann Irwin (John) and Susan Birdwell (Michael), and sister-in-laws Virginia McCarroll and Jane Swan (Curt). She is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and their children.

John and Lella met while attending the University of Texas at Austin, where Lella was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha. Following John’s naval service and law school, they returned to Cameron. Lella played a vital role in John’s 40 years of law practice as his secretary. Together John and Lella sang in the choir at the First United Methodist Church in Cameron for over 50 years. Lella was our devoted Mama, Mimi, and Grandmama. She was a prime example of a Proverbs 31 woman. She had an amazing way of making everyone feel like her favorite. She was an outstanding cook, and one of her many love languages was blessing her loved ones and the community with her wonderful home cooking.

Lella gained many stars in her Heavenly Crown and we thank God that she was instrumental in leading her children and grandchildren to God and welcoming her nieces, nephews and grandchildren into the world and helping their parents transition into parenthood. She was THE best GrandMama and Mimi to her beloved Ali, Kelsey, John David and Meri. She loved them unconditionally and together, she and John took each grandchild on their special grand trip after completion of the second grade.

Lella served as the hands and feet of Jesus for many years. Some examples of her selfless service include her involvement in United Methodist Women, serving home bound communion, and volunteering her time in teaching sewing lessons. Her family is confident that on July 8 she heard “well done my good and faithful servant.”

A celebration of the love and legacy of Lella’s life was held on Wednesday, July 11 at the First United Methodist Church in Cameron.