The heart of our family has ceased to beat with the passing of Margaret Melhorn Henderson, our Mama, Granny, Big Granny on Friday, August 20, 2021 at the age of 96, of Jasper, Tennessee.

Born to Henry and Maggie M. Melhorn in Rockwood, Tennessee, she spent her childhood there assisting with the care of her four younger siblings.  As a young woman, during World War II, she was employed at the Peggy Ann Truck Stop before taking a position at the Oak Ridge facility.  "Margie" was one of the "Girls of Atomic City" working on the Manhattan Project, in the Y-12 and Y-25 plants.  When asked about her time she always said, "they told us not to tell what we were doing and I'm not telling.'

After the war, Margie settled down with the love of her life, William Franklin Henderson and was blessed to spend 69 years with him until his passing in 2017.  Together they built a loving comfortable life following TVA across the state of Tennessee.  Three children were born to Frank and Margie and together a love was bonded for all time.

In addition to her parents, Margie was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Henderson, her son, Allen Henderson, and siblings, Jean Majors, Carl Melhorn, and Richard Melhorn.

Those left to cherish their memories and miss her cooking are her children; Donna Henderson (James "Skip") Phillips; Richard B. (Janet) Henderson; seven grandsons ,Mack, Ryan, and David Phillips, John, Tom, Caleb, and Wyatt Henderson; one-step grandson, John Cole; sixteen great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; one sister, Dorothy Arms, and several nieces and nephews.

Margie was a member of Jasper First Baptist Church and the Fidelis Sunday School class.

Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. (CST) on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 in the Chapel of Rogers Funeral Home in Jasper, with Pastor, Greg Steele officiating.

Interment will follow at Sequatchie Valley Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 23, 2021 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. (CST) and on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. (CST) prior to the funeral service in the chapel of Rogers Funeral Home in Jasper, TN.

Family request friends and family to wear a mask.

Pallbearers will be the seven grandsons, Mack Phillips, Ryan Phillips, David Phillips, John Henderson, Tom Henderson, Caleb Henderson, and Wyatt Henderson.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude Hospital.

Arrangements are by Rogers Funeral Home of Jasper, Tennessee 21 East Fifth Street, Jasper, Tennessee (423) 942-2682.