Michelle Amy Hay-Henderson

Michelle A. Hay-Henderson was born to Mr. & Mrs. Samuel & Roselda Hay on August 10, 1960, in Kingston, Jamaica W. I. Michelle started her education in Jamaica. In May of 1970 Michelle migrated to the United States where her father awaited her with her mother and five siblings. Michelle continued her education in Bronx, New York, where she also attended Sewing school which she loved and excelled in along with cooking and baking it came natural in her blood.

In July 1987 she welcomed her first child Joan. In January 1991 she welcomed her second child Edwin. Michelle loved being a mom anyone who knew her could tell that role was specially made for her. Her favorite phrase to anyone was “My pickney come before any and everybody else!” On September 18, 1995 Michelle married the love of her life Barry Henderson. Three years later Michelle and the children suffered a devastating lost, when Barry passed away suddenly in his sleep. Barry’s death took a toll on Michelle’s life, her health started to decline rapidly. On January 2001 the doctors gave Michelle only three weeks to live, through prayer and interceding on behalf of Michelle , with the grace and mercy of God the Lord spared her life.

In later 2001 while battling her sickness Michelle asked her sister Paulette and Brother-in-law Ronald to raise her two children with the help of her children's Godparents the late Mother Getaw and Bishop Getaw. Constantly in and out of the hospital, Michelle's son Edwin was always by her side. Michelle lived to see her children graduate High School, go to college, get married and have children of their own. God had made it that Michelle got to meet all her grandchildren before she left this earth.

Michelle relocated to North Carolina in 2016, where she gave her life to the Lord. She was always the first one dressed and ready to go to church before everyone else. Her favorite scripture was St. John 1:1: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Michelle went home to meet her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on August 26, 2020, 19 years and 7 months  after the doctors gave up on her in 2001.

Michelle proceed her sister Ruth, her husband Barry, her mother Roselda, and her father Samuel in death. She leave to Cherish her memory her daughter Joan (Donovan) of Bronx, NY; her son Edwin, of Bronx, NY; two young men Michelle considered close to her like sons: Larry & Charlie, of Bronx, NY; grandchildren Donovan Jr., Isaiah, Izavier, Faith, Jocelyn, & Eyannah; her sisters: Paulette Hay-Smalls (Rev. R. Smalls) of N.C. , Mary Harvey, of Bronx, NY; Brothers: Edwin Hay, of FL, David Hay & Errol Hay, of Bronx, NY; Aunts: Faye Venicha Scott, of Miami, FL, Thesslynn Reckford (Tessi),  Yvonne Flynn (Mays) ( Lammy) & Kelsida Porter (Kitty), of Bronx, NY; Best friend/Spiritual Father: Bishop Elijah Getaw, of L. I.NY; Best friend: Eloise, of Bronx, NY; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Her final resting place will be beside her late husband. Michelle was truly one of a kind she will be dearly missed.

A Home going service will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2020, 12:00 p.m., at Benson Funeral & Cremation Services of Mount Holly with the Reverend Ronald A. Smalls officiating.

To Live Stream this service, click HERE

All monetary gifts should be donated to the National Kidney Foundation (kidney.org), Joyful Heart Foundation (joyfulheartfoundation.org) and Feed the Hungry (feedthehungry.org)

The family of Michelle would like to thank you for all the phone calls, letters, prayers and support during our time of bereavement.

"Live everyday like it's your last. Be kind, loving, adventurous, fruitful, prosperous and just live life to your full and best potential. You never know when you'll take your last breath. My hope is that I've made my mark in this world and in the lives of those that I've crossed paths with before I close my eyes for a final time". Sincerely, Mrs. K.T.H-A