~ Alywin's Legacy ~

ALYWIN BARDOW HENDERSON, lovingly known as "Benny", was born on July 7, 1955 in Philadelphia, PA to the late Frank Holmes and Alice Garland Henderson Holmes. He was Alice's youngest son of fourteen children: Ann Hawkins d.(Frank d.), Margaret Scales d. (Neumar d.), Corine Monroe d.(Joseph d.), Ruth Henderson, Carolyn Johnson d.(Joseph d.), Luther James Henderson Jr. d., Katherine Burton(Gene), Garland Henderson, Eddie Henderson d.(Veronica), Ronnie Henderson, Gregory Henderson, Gayle Henderson, and Brenda Moore d.(John). Four bonus siblings: James Smith, Russell Smith d., John Smith (Bessie) and Phyliss Smith.

As a baby ALYWIN was nick-named "Bassing Benny" because he had a very husky tone to his voice and cry. Growing up he loved being a big brother to his little sister Brenda. He taught her how to play the drums and stay out of trouble, whereas, he was constantly getting into mischief. He also grew up along-side his niece Mia Henderson who was Bassing Benny's sidekick lovingly referred to as Bald-headed Minny.

In his youth, ALYWIN was a member of Transfiguration Baptist Church where he served as an usher, sang with the choir and even helped tidy up the sanctuary after services ended. It was there where he was baptized by his uncle, Reverend Prentice Smith, Pastor. Alywin had such fond memories of his sister, Brenda Henderson Moore, niece, Mia Henderson and himself as children in that church. Overall he was the big brother, Uncle, and best friend to the two of them.

ALYWIN was educated in the Philadelphia School District, later attending and graduating from Job Corp. After graduating he worked at Presbyterian Hospital and The Philadelphia Art Museum in sanitation services. Throughout his childhood and early years ALYWIN enjoyed helping at the gas station owned by his mother, Alice. While there, he worked his mother's business in many capacities including pumping gas and assisting with customers. It was also there where he met the love of his life Evelyn Henderson. They would marry in the year of 1975 and have two handsome children, Brian and Brandon Henderson.

This is his legacy. Benny as most knew him was a very loving, affectionate, lively and free-spirited person. He enjoyed family time and did everything he could to keep smiles on their faces. His nieces and nephews called him ALLY-WINE. If you know you know (lol), as he was the family jokester. Those joyous times were absolutely everything to him. After the loss of his closest friend and sister, Brenda, he wanted nothing more than to spend time with his sons, nieces, nephews, sisters and brothers.

ALYWIN "Benny" Henderson leaves to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy: his sons Brian Henderson (Susan) and Brandon Henderson (Deena), as well as four grandchildren Kyle, Aleeyah, Londyn and Graysen, his brother-in-law John Webster Moore "Joe", 4 sisters, 6 brothers, a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, loving family and friends.