Ivery Leon Henderson

Dec 7, 1941 -

Dec 3, 2021

Pastor Ivery L. Henderson, 79, transitioned peacefully into eternal rest on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at the VA Medical Center in New Orleans, La., while attended by his children. He was born on Dec. 7, 1941, in Gretna, La., as the second son to Louis and Mary (Primus) Henderson.

To mourn his transition and celebrate his life and legacy, Ivery leaves behind his children, Damon L. Henderson and Monica Henderson Roberts of New Orleans; grandsons, Damon, Ivery and Julius Henderson, and Tristen Roberts; granddaughter, Teren Rae Roberts; great-grandchildren, Jaden, Joshua and Sophia Henderson; brother, Joseph Louis Raheem; sisters, Mary Young, Lydia Henry and Emelda Moody (Morris); sisters-in-law, Ruby Robert Johnson and Mary Robert Dumas; along with many special nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends and loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Bernard and Glen Henderson Sr.; former spouse, Florence (Robert) Henderson; brothers-in-law, Kermit Henry Sr. and Oliver Young Sr.

Ivery lived a flourishing life from childhood until the Lord called him home. He effortlessly partook in his roles as pastor, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. As conveyed by all who knew him, he was a champion of courage and faith. An encourager to all, lifting anyone he encountered to a higher place in their life. The unconditional Love of Christ in his soul freely flowed in giving his time, resources, friendship and whatever it took to help anyone in need. He was the epitome of love and he continued to exude that love and prayer intersession even during his own health challenges.

As a student, Ivery attended McDonough #27 and L.B. Landry High School. While at L.B. Landry, he was an accomplished athlete, excelling in both football as a running back, and track and field; he also served as the Student Council President. He was a football co-captain and proud member of two State Football Championship teams, and captain of the track team during his senior year. Following graduation from high school he enlisted in the United States Air Force and shortly thereafter married his high school sweetheart, Florence Robert. To their union, a son, Damon Leon, and daughter, Monica Ray, were born in Marquette, Mich. Ivery's military career was ornamented not only by his job achievements, academic advances and travels within the United States, Europe and Asia, but also the establishment of his military boxing career. One of the many notable achievements in his boxing career is status of Golden Glove Champion. His love of boxing was not limited to only being a competitor, but also teaching the sport to children, adolescents, adults and seniors. In 1980, Ivery retired from the USAF with the rank of Master Sergeant in Anchorage, Alaska, and his professional administrative career continued in the private sector until his employment began with the United States Postal Service. He subsequently retired from the USPS and was then able to minister even more fervently. Ivery's greatest accomplishment was fulfilling his role as the Lord's servant. He established New Beginnings Church in Anchorage, which heavily focused on outreach ministry that served the homeless, the incarcerated, veterans and other vulnerable populations. Ivery was also an accomplished and published poet, and was an entrepreneur partnering with his son in the establishment of Henderson and Henderson Janitorial Services in Anchorage.