Obituary

A fraternity presentation will be held on Tuesday, January 2, from 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. followed by visitation from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., at Butler-Stumpff & Dyer Memorial Chapel, 2103 E. 3rd St., Tulsa, OK 74104.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 1:00 p.m., at Morning Star Baptist Church.

Lawrence Travis Henderson was born May 10, 1948, in Beggs, Oklahoma. He was the first of four children born to Lawrence Howard Henderson and Evelyn Griffin Henderson. When he was a young child, the family relocated to Tulsa where Travis accepted Christ as a member of The Church of the

Travis attended Tulsa Public Schools and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School with the Class of 1966. He then matriculated at Langston University and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education. Travis was a proud graduate of “LU” and his experience there was near and dear to his heart. This culminated with him receiving the Presidential Citation in Recognition of Exemplary Experience that honors Langston University. Travis continued his education and earned two masters’ Degrees from Northeastern  State  University  focusing  on  History  and  Education

Travis began his employment history with the Tulsa Public School System, teaching at Memorial High School. During the span of his career, Travis served in many roles: Teacher, Dean, Assistant Principal, and Principal. He was renowned for his capabilities and educational management. He was determined and dedicated to making a difference in the lives of the students he served and the staff that worked under his leadership. Travis’ love was reciprocated in so many ways, as throughout the years, many former students and staff expressed their appreciation for the personal imprint he left on their lives and careers. Travis also served as Adjunct Instructor at Langston University Urban Center in Tulsa. He held a Lifetime Membership in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Travis took pride in being an ‘Alpha Man.’ Through the years, he was active and devoted to his Fraternity and served in numerous capacities while his health permitted.

While at Langston University, Travis met and married Betty Ramsey and to this union two children were born, Traci and Tanna. His girls were his heart. He was elated to hold the title of Papa to James Lopez, Marcus and Malcolm Henderson and great grandpa to Ai’lani Grace and Makari Travis. He had a special and loving bond with them all. Travis later married Cheryl Williams Carter and assumed the role of father to Monte Carter. They had a likewise loving relationship. He was just as excited being grandpa to granddaughters Kay’N and Karson. His love for them all was undeniable.

Travis’ health began to decline over the course of the last few years and took an unexpected turn for the worse this past spring. Family watched with amazement as he gallantly struggled to overcome the challenge. It was stated that he must have Vibranium in his system, but come Christmas night, his superhero strength could not prevail against destiny. Travis transitioned from this world to his heavenly home surrounded and supported by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Traci Henderson; parents, Lawrence Henderson and Evelyn Henderson; and brothers, Howard and David Henderson.

Travis dedication to his family and friends was unwavering. He leaves behind a legacy that will never fade; to be remembered and cherished by his wife, Cheryl, daughter, Tanna, grandsons: James, Marcus (Haylee), and Malcolm, bonus son, Monte, granddaughters: Kay’N and Karson, great- grandchildren: Ai’lani and Makari Travis, sisters: Brenda Frazier and Carolyn Hardaway, brother Donald Henderson, Uncles: Richard (Janie Mae) Henderson, Cleveland Leffall, Valentine Dorsey and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.