Barbara Jean Hendricks' Obituary
First Lady Barbara Jean Hendricks
Born in Brownsville, Tennessee, Sis Hendricks is the second oldest of 4 siblings born to the union of Mr. Tommie Lee and Mrs. Martha T Anderson Cliff. As a child, her devoted parents moved to Decatur Ill.
Her Christian journey with the Church of the Living God, begin at the age of 12 years old under the leadership of Bishop E. A. Morgan. She was very active in the church as a child and adult serving the Y.P.P.U, Sunday School, Choirs, Junior and Senior Usher Boards, Women’s Work, Pastor’s Aid/Anniversaries, Financial Committee, Church Treasurer, etc
She received her education in the Decatur Public School District, graduating high school as one of the youngest in her class. She moved to Chicago to attend Crane Jr. College and to pursue bit roles she had in modeling. It was in Chicago she met her husband Bishop Harry L. Hendricks. A Graduate of Browns Business College majoring in Data Processing & Information Technology Sis Hendricks served as a computer operator and programmer at a local company. She studied at Milwaukee Tech. College majoring in Business Administration-Mid-Management where she also taught Data Processing prior to continuing her career in Corporate Management at Fortune 500 companies, financial institutions, and city government. She distinguished herself in the Finance and Insurance Industry with Securities Licenses and Prestigious Designations from the Life Insurance Management Association, Inc. After a successful 38-year career she retired from the City of Hawthorne in 2006.
Sis Hendricks became a minister’s wife in October 1977. During her tenure as Pastor’s Wife and First Lady of Temple 132, Milwaukee, Wisconsin for 14 ½ Years, Sis Hendricks reorganized the Youth Choir and Y.P.P.U., founded the WFH Scholarship Fund, served as Women Work President; Sr. Usher Board Officer and member, Director of the Youth Department, Sunday School Teacher, as well as recommended and facilitated the installation of a computer system in the church. She was District 2 Assistant Treasurer and a community activist. During her tenure as Pastor’s Wife and First Lady at Temple 4, Texarkana, AR, Sis Hendricks served in many capacities within the church as well as the community. In her current tenure at Pastor’s Wife and First Lady of Temple #44, Los Angeles, California, Sis Hendricks has served as Sunday School Teacher, President of HMH Church Scholarship Fund President; Pastor’s Administrative Assistant, Women Work member, Budget Committee, West Coast Women Conference and Community Activist and Campaign Worker.
Sis. Hendricks was known for her integrity, strong Christian character, and spiritual stamina as First Lady of the Twelfth Episcopal Diocese since August 13, 2006. Sis. Hendricks donated her time, resources, and talents in the following capacities: Inglewood Minister Wives 3rd Vice President and member, Life Time Member of California State Ministers’ Wives Inc, International Ministers’ Wives and Ministers’ Widows Inc, Member of the First Ladies Health Initiative, Civil Services Commissioner for the City of Hawthorne for 14 years, Community Advocate Committee Member for Office of Senator Steve Bradford, Member of Ministers’ of the Heart Inc, 2018 Honored Life Time Member of Trademark Women of Distinction, member of the Holly Park Homeowners Association as well as other civic, social and political organizations. She is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions.
Sis Hendricks is survived by her husband, Bishop Harry Lee Hendricks Sr.; daughter, Dr. Shandowlyon Lyzette (Elijah Jerome) Reaves; son, Harry Lee (Shantel Marie) Hendricks Jr.; grandchildren, Barbara Antoinette Peterson, Jade Imani Hendricks, Harry Lee Hendricks III, Joshua James Frank Hendricks; great-granddaughter, Amara Dior Powell, and many extended family and friends. Sis. Hendricks was preceded in death by her parents, Tommie and Martha Cliff; sisters, Martha Louise (Warren Leon) Thomas, Nannie Frank (James Arthur) Lee; brother, Thomas Earl Cliff; son, Dyrric Keith Hendricks; grandson, Brandon Xavier Peterson.
Services will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at 11:00 AM with a visitation an hour prior at the Church of the Living God, 400 South Franklin Street in Decatur, IL Burial will take place at Graceland Cemetery following services.
For those who so desire and in lieu of floral arrangements, donations in Sis. Hendricks’ honor can be sent to Project Hope, Inc., P O Box 170494, Milwaukee, WI 53217, www.projecthopeinc.com. Condolences and memories of Sis. Hendricks may be shared at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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