Kittie Lee (Smith) Henderson

Kittie Lee (Smith) Henderson, age 94, died on June 25, 2019 surrounded by family in Franklin, NC. Kittie was born in Spindale, North Carolina on November 5, 1924, the second of five children of Mary Jane and Horace L. Smith. Kittie grew up in the Spindale area and after high school attended Brevard College where she met the the love of her life and future husband, Fritz J. Henderson, Jr. After completing her studies at Brevard she went on to  Appalachian Teacher's College, (now Appalachian State) and received a bachelors degree. When Fritz came back from WWII they were married and Kittie began her favorite career as a wife, a second career as a mother and her third career as a teacher. When Fritz's career in the Air Force led to a move, Kittie changed schools and sometimes subjects and grades, leading to tremendous career in education. Kittie loved fixing meals for family and friends, playing bingo, attending, church and spending time with family. 

Kittie is survived by a son Charles Henderson of Franklin, NC a daughter Jane Simmons of Ponca City, OK and a daughter Mary Lee Baker (John) of Franklin, NC. Grandchildren, Verlyne Jolley, Amanda Phillips (Chris), Mallory Stenberg (Laura), Caleb Baker and four great grandchildren (Lauren Jolley, Alex Jolley, Delia Phillips, Harrison Phillips.) She is preceded in death by her husband, Fritz Henderson, Jr.

A celebration of life will be held on July 3 at 10:00 am at Union United Methodist Church. In Lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to Union United Methodist Church, 101 Morrison Church Rd, Franklin, NC 28734

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home is serving the Henderson family.

Online condolences are available at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com

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