Melba Jane (Burkhalter) Henderson

Melba Jane Burkhalter Henderson, 79, of Statham, Ga died on May 31, 2019 after a long and hard fought battle with Alzheimer's. The daughter of the late William 'Bruner' and Essie 'Willard' Burkhalter of Blackshear, Ga. Mrs. Henderson was also preceded in death by her sister, Myrtle Johnson Waters. Mrs. Henderson grew up in Blackshear, Ga but also lived in Waycross, Ga, Valdosta, Ga and Marietta, Ga prior to moving to Oconee County, Ga with her husband to live with her daughter, Julie Ehlers and family.
Melba is survived by her husband of 61 years, Carl Ranford Henderson. Additionally, survivors include her six children, David (Nora) Henderson, Joseph Henderson, Darren (Michelle) Henderson, Julie (Matt) Ehlers, Jason (Jay) Henderson and Jared (Matthew) Henderson; six grandchildren, Davy Henderson, Jennifer Henderson, Jeffrey (Deborah) Henderson, Porter Ehlers, Amelia Henderson and Dixon Ehlers; her sister, Mary Riggins Griner and Brother, William 'Bill' Burkhalter and a host of other relatives and friends.
Melba was an amazing wife and world class mother. She was loved by everyone who knew her, and spent much of her life taking care of others. She was a longtime member of The Church of Jesus Christ of a Latter-Day Saints, where she served faithfully in many capacities as long as her health allowed. Her hobbies included: genealogy, gardening, crafting and sometimes fishing.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2019 at The Church of a Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 1080 Julian Drive, Watkinsville, Ga at 12:00 pm. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am until 11:55 am prior to the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that all gifts be directed to the Alzheimer's Association. If sending a check please add "in memory of Melba Henderson" noted in the memo line and send to: 41 Perimeter Center East, Suite 550, Atlanta, Ga 30346. Or you may donate online by visiting: alz.org/Georgia simply click on the green donate button on the top right, then be sure to check the "yes" box for "is this a tribute gift?"
Lord and Stephens Funeral Homes, West, Watkinsville, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com