1942 – 2016

WEST PARIS — Joan M. Henderson, 74, of South Paris, died early Friday morning, July 8, at the Ledgeview Living Center in West Paris with two of her granddaughters, Erica Henderson and Melissa Kist, by her side.

She was born Jan. 6, 1942, one of 21 children, a daughter of Lawrence and Viola Mildred (Crocker) Billings. She attended local schools, graduating from Norway High School.

In the early 1960s she married Thomas Henderson in Norway. They made their home in South Paris, where she worked locally for the various manufacturing facilities, including the local shoe factory, C.B. Cummings & Sons, A.C. Lawrence Co. and Paris Manufacturing. She and her husband also owned and operated Ripley’s Market for a number of years.

Joan enjoyed playing beano, music, being in the outdoors hunting and fishing, watching her son race stock cars, family functions, and especially the company of her grandchildren.

She is survived by her children, Randall Henderson of Buckfield, Tammy Seams and her husband, Steve, of West Paris, Sherry Grover of N.C., Tom Henderson and his companion, Melissa Wilson, of Norway, Robin Salls and her husband, Elwin, of South Paris, and Scott Ring and his wife, Carla, of Otisfield; 15 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband, Thomas.

Online tributes may be shared at www.chandlerfunerals.com.