Mable Ruthie Diggs Henderson

On November 13, 1922 in Morrilton, Arkansas, Mable Ruthie Diggs was the ninth of ten children born to Pennina Sapphire Meachem Diggs and John Eben Diggs. The seeds of faith, hard work, education, respect for others and love for family were planted in Mable at a early age. As members of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Zion church, her parents John and Peninna were dedicated members, serving as Deacon and Financial Manager, respectively. Mable must have been watching her mother closely, as she was an excellent money manager, as well.

As twin sister to Marie Rubie Sharpe, the “twins”, as they were called, shared a special bond of sisterhood that lasted beyond Marie’s passing in 2012. Education being an integral part of the family legacy, Mable graduated from Philander Smith College, a private historically black college, along with Sisters Edna, Marie and Brother Charles. 

Mable met and married Laron Henderson in Arkansas, and in 1956, our Dad moved the family to San Diego. They had four children, Patrice and Barbara, born in Little Rock, Arkansas and Angela and Eric, born in San Diego. Through our Aunt Ethel Henderson, we were introduced to Rev. George Walker Smith & Mrs. Smith, who actually met us at the train station when we arrived in town - resulting in Mable becoming a Charter member of Golden Hill Presbyterian Church (now Christ United Presbyterian Church). 

Her church work continued in San Diego, as she carried her alto voice from AME Zion to the choir at Golden Hill. After Laron passed in 1960, Mable became a widower and single parent until her death. Her dedication to the church, education and family became even more apparent as she honored her Christian upbringing in everything that she did. 

Mable was a woman of service. She was moderator of Presbyterian Women, Mother of the Year, Chairperson of annual fundraisers, Financial Secretary of the Choir and participated in the annual Presbyterian Women Fashion Show (she always wore the highest heels), and the annual Church picnic. She was a ticket seller extraordinaire - She could actually sell ice water to Eskimos. Whether she was selling tickets for the church, or filling a bus to the casino. 

When it was time for vacation bible school, Mable would round up as many children as she could, and make sure they attended. While working at Valencia Park Elementary School, Mable touched the lives of many children, who would later approach her (as we witnessed) and share how much she impacted their lives and how she was the reason they excelled. 

Whether Mable was serving breakfast to (other) Seniors; working on the United Negro College Fund; feeding the homeless; being a dedicated member of San Diego Sister City – Ghana; working to certify families to receive care/benefits, or setting an example for her children – she worked hard. She was honored to be recognized as a “Woman of Distinction” by Women Incorporated and to be known throughout her community as someone who “never turned down an invitation”. 

She ran her home with a quiet, firm hand and when we, as children got out of hand, she would raise that eyebrow, and we knew we were in trouble. 

As a beloved Golden Soror and Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha -San Diego Chapter - Epsilon XI Omega, Mable was in good financial standing and continuously active from the time she was made to just before her death. She served on just about every committee in the Chapter, and took on the role of mentor to the incoming Sorors. Mable was the recipient of the Diana G. Shipley Golden Soror of the Year award.  

Preceded in death by her parents: brothers: Charles, Homer, Delbert, Leon, Earl and Roy Phayon; sisters: Wilma Hunt, Edna Mahan, (twin) Marie Sharpe; husband: Laron Henderson and son: Eric Laron Henderson. 

Mable leaves to cherish her memory daughters, Patrice Baker, Barbara Henderson, and Angela Woodford (Robert); 7 grandchildren: Trina Williams-Johnson (Eric), LaKisha Christopher, Rhasul Wilson, Elijah Baker, Sarah Grant (Terrell), Vanessa Henderson (Dorian), Sharday Henderson; 9 great-grandchildren: Celeste McNeil, Destiny Doxey, Rahzel Wilson, Essania Lavender, T.J. Grant, Chase Herrod, Cayden Herrod, Matea Lizama, Taileah Lewis; nieces; Mable Toliver, Melba Walton, Joyce Mouzon (John), Wanda Everett (Terry), Joan Dorsey (Jeff), Sheila Sharpe (Bert), and Cheryl Sharpe; nephew: Tommy Hunt and a host of family members, church family, extended family, Mrs. Ardelle Matthews who was always the first to visit, and her running buddies Vivian Traylor and Jeanne Young, as well as, anyone who shared in her journey along the way.