Published: June 28, 2009 10:14 pm      

Pauline Niederhofer Stricklin Henderson

Pauline was born Aug. 26, 1917 to John and Maude Niederhofer in Walker County. She was one of 10 children, and she lived and worked on the family farm until high school graduation. She then moved to Houston, where she met and married Sammy Stricklin. They moved to Baytown in 1941, and she lived there until March 2007 when she moved to Georgetown.

She is preceded in death by her first husband, Sammy Stricklin; a daughter, Mary Stricklin; her second husband, Harry Henderson; and several brothers and sisters.

Pauline leaves behind to cherish her memory son, James Stricklin and wife, JoAnn; daughter, Paula and husband, Al Dennis; son, Don Stricklin and wife, Debbie; and son, Walter Stricklin. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Greg Stricklin, Julie Stricklin and Chad Dennis; and four great grandchildren.

Survivors also include step-son, Mike Henderson and wife, Sue; step-daughter, Donna and husband, Bill Legere; three step-grandchildren, Shelly Wheeler, Lynn Wilson and Ted Henderson; and five step-great grandchildren.

Pauline loved her family and her church. She was a devoted mother and was always a care giver. She continually did for others and gave of herself by regularly visiting friends and neighbors at hospitals and nursing homes and taking food to shut-ins.

Pauline was of the Methodist faith and a member of St. John’s United Methodist Church in Baytown from 1941 until her death. Through the years, she was active on the Administrative Board, Methodist’s Women Organization, Christian Women, Sunday school, MYF, Vacation Bible School, the Child Care Center, and the Thrift Shop. She loved the people and the activities of her church. Until she moved in 2007, Pauline worked at the Thrift Shop two or three days a week. She always said that the women she worked with were her social group.

She was one of the founders of the Coady Hub Club and the Cedar Bayou Home Demonstration Club. These clubs were based on the Christian home and family and the teaching of children two things which were very important to her.

When her children were in school, she was an active participant in school affairs, and she made it a point to know the principals and teachers. She was active in PTA, and she loved to chaperone school activities. She enjoyed having home parties for her children and their friends, and her home was a base for neighborhood children.

At the age of 50, Pauline returned to school to get her nursing degree. This was quite a challenge, but it was something she had always wanted to do, and it never occurred to her that she could not do it. Being a nurse was a true calling, and she loved every minute of it.

Dancing, traveling, gardening, playing games and being with friends were other interests dear to Pauline.

Pauline will truly be missed by all who knew her. She had a gentle, quiet spirit, one full of life and caring. She also had a lot of determination and willpower, which was truly needed rearing her four children. Many sacrifices were made for the sake of her children, and they truly appreciate all she did for each of them through the years.

Mrs. Henderson will lie in state from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday, June 29, at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Huntsville. A Celebration of Life will be at 10 a.m. at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Chapel with Bishop Jim Welch officiating. A graveside service will follow at Black-Jack Cemetery in Huntsville.

The family extends a special thanks to the many care givers at The Lodge and Cabins at Rocky Hollow and Texas Home Health Hospice. They made her life happy, comfortable and content.

Memorials may be made to Texas Home Health Hospice, 3520 Executive Center Dr. Suite 320, Austin, Texas 78731.

Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at www.shmfh.com