Helen Ruth Henderson "Madea", was born September 5, 1938 in Palestine, Texas to the parents of Ellis Patterson Sr. and Carrie Crawford Blanton. She is the last of seven children.

Madea graduated from Laneville High School. She attended Paul Quinn College in Waco, Texas. She worked as a Domestic worker for the Bass family for many years.

In 1959, Madea married the love of her life, Sam Henderson and was married for 60 years.

Madea gave her life to Christ at an early age. In 1972, she united with Paradise Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. O.H Brisco. Years later, under the leadership of Rev. Wade J. Simmons, she faithfully served as the President of Mission Board #1, a Deaconess, and The Pastor Support Board.

Madea, is preceded in death by her husband: Sam Henderson; parents: Ellis Sr. and Carrie Blanton; 4 brothers: Ervin Patterson, Vannon Patterson, RT Patterson, & Ellis Patterson Jr; 2 sisters: Lucille Cornelius and ExEddie Bennett; 1 granddaughter: Shaterria Jefferson-Dickerson; 1 grandson lee Herman Jr.

The heart of Madea was her family. She leaves to cherish her memories 3 daughters: Belinda Gaston(H.W.), Kathy Jones(Charles) and Helen Jean Johnson; 2 sons: Travis Anderson and Herman Henderson Sr.(Jeanette); 4 sister in laws: Marjorie Patterson, Louisa Henderson, Vondell Hudson and Erma Jean Brown; 9 grandchildren: Netosha Davis, Tamara Wilson(Kelleyton Sr.), Tiffany Cuington, Generra Richardson(Allen), Johnny Jefferson, Jr.(Ryan), Desmond Jones, De'Arruis Jones(Tramese), Christopher Ross and Shanta Henderson. 14 great-grand children: Netoya Thompson, Tierra Brown(Kemoy), Tamia Johnson(Jacobe), Derrick Cuington, Kelleyton Wilson Jr., Kennedy Wilson, Yureka Davis, Madison Scott, Davaughn Smith, Shakiyah Dickerson, Rashard Dickerson III., Kobie Jefferson and Payton Jefferson; Lee Herman: 1 great-great-grandchild Parker Thompson, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.