Today, we're featuring Dr. Doris Henderson, who had a career as both a teacher and principal at several private and public schools in Guilford County. Her final school was Guilford Primary, which served as a collaborative, professional-development school for UNCG. Dr. Henderson was so loved as a principal there, that the school was renamed for her, "Doris Henderson Newcomers School". Today, the school accepts students in 3rd-12th grade who are new to the United States with novice level proficiency in English. Initially, Dr. Henderson retired from GCS as a principal in 1997. However, she was such an effective administrator that the district asked her to direct the Professional Induction and Success Program to train beginning principals in Guilford County. She only agreed to work half time, so that she could accept a half time, volunteer position at her church, Friendly Avenue Baptist. After retirement, Dr. Henderson worked seven more years at GCS, until 2007. She continues today at the church where she is the outreach director and also designs and oversees programs and activities for senior adults.
Yesterday's socially-distanced interview was conducted at the Henderson residence in Northwest Greensboro, conveniently located just a few stop lights away from her church- home away from home. COVID-19 has been hard on Dr. Henderson because she is not used to being confined to the house. Fortunately, her work computer was brought to her house, so she can continue to work from home. Dr. Henderson's work ethic likely stems from childhood, when she was Doris Jarrett helping at the family farm, located on North Summit Avenue. She churned butter, milked cows, delivered orders to customers (on foot), and more! She would go on to marry Worth Henderson, raise six children, and earn three college degrees.
Perhaps you can tell from her smile in the above photo, she is a warm, kind, and inviting person. Her smile is genuine, and she is one of the most positive, optimistic, civic-minded people you could ever meet. Greensboro is the only place she has ever lived and she loves calling Greensboro home. Thank you, Dr. Henderson, for all you do for education, your church, and the community at large! Over time, it is easy to forget for whom a school was named and why it was named after that person. If you didn't already know her, now you can put a name with a face. Yes, there really is a Doris Henderson, and she is so deserving of having a school named in her honor!
What an amazingly rich life story!! 🙂
Posted by: Liliana Jordanov | Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at 10:36 AM
A wonderful portrait shot.
Posted by: William Kendall | Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at 01:46 PM
This wonderful lady also plays the organ.
Posted by: Gay Consiglio | Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at 04:27 PM
Dr. Henderson brought me to Guilford Primary as a first grade teacher in 1985; met her in graduate school in 1976-77. Lovely and lovingđź’•
Posted by: Connie McNeal | Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at 04:31 PM
She was the best principal EVER! Will forever love and adore her. She will always hold a special place in my heart.
Posted by: Candace (Sutherland) Matthews | Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at 07:15 PM
All the love! Mrs. Henderson you helped to shape me into what I've become...
Lumps and all! ❤
Posted by: Raun Blanchard | Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at 07:25 PM
So nice to see she is doing well! Loved having her as my principal when I was a student at Guilford Primary long time ago!
Posted by: Heidi Beth Laufer | Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at 07:38 PM
A wonderful lady. One to be admired.
Posted by: Harrywatson | Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at 07:45 PM
Doris Henderson has been my friend and ADK sorority sister for over 40 years. She is very deserving of every accolade and honor given her and more.
Posted by: Joyce Key | Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at 09:34 PM
Doris was my son James Butts principal. He is now 29 years-old married and recently had a brand new baby girl. I had the honor of singing for her when she retired from Guilford primary and dedicated the song lyrics in a frame! She is also my sorority sister through Alpha Delta Kappa, Gamma Epsilon chapter. We Love you Doris!!
Posted by: Louisa Huerta | Thursday, July 16, 2020 at 10:40 AM
Doris, all the above is true and much more. We love and respect you so very much. George and Frances Hayes geh1@northstate.net
Posted by: George Hayes | Thursday, July 16, 2020 at 04:04 PM
First met her as my son’s principal, continue to love her as friend and and fellow member of a FABC. You are an inspiration to all of us. We love you Doris!
Becky and Rick Luck
Posted by: Becky Luck | Friday, July 17, 2020 at 08:06 AM
She is an amazing and Godly lady! It doesn’t take long to fall in love with her!
Posted by: Stella Brown | Friday, July 17, 2020 at 09:26 PM
Doris is one of the most incredible persons. I had the privilege of serving on some committees at FABC with her and she was a great principal for my children (she knew every studenr’s name. Honored to know her.
Posted by: Dan Dunkel | Friday, July 17, 2020 at 11:23 PM
It is always a joy to be with Doris. She can bring sunshine into anyone's day.
Posted by: Barbara Seay | Monday, July 20, 2020 at 07:56 AM