Susan Elizabeth Henderson

Susan Elizabeth Henderson, age 63, of Herrin, passed away at 4:30am on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at her home in Herrin, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born Saturday, July 14, 1962, in Detroit, Michigan, a daughter of Geraldine Ann Brady and Ronald Raymond Mertz.

Susan was fiercely independent, proud, and a hard worker. She was devoted to her work and even more devoted to her family. If you met Susan, you did not stay a stranger for long - she would talk to anyone, sing a little, dance a little, and make you laugh.

She had a gift for bringing people together. Her famous seven-layer salad and chicken salad were staples at every family get-together, she never met a BBQ she did not love and a room she did not light up. Susan believed life was better when you were gathered around the table with the people you loved.

Becoming a grandmother at age 38 was one of her greatest joys. She treasured her grandchildren more than anything and raised them as her own. Her love for them was constant and unconditional. Susan loved and tried to help everyone she met, and she would give you the shirt off her back if you needed it. She had the biggest heart and the biggest work ethic - through stress, through sickness, she kept showing up.

Susan cared for her clients with disabilities with all her heart. She was so devoted to them because she saw their worth and fought for their dignity every single day. Her work was not just a job; it was part of who she was.

She is survived by daughter- Chrissy (Brian) Brown of Westland, Michigan; daughter- Amy Henderson of Herrin; son- Michael (Megan) Henderson of Taylor, Michigan; grandchildren- Audrey and Braxton Brown, Anthony, Abby, Allyssa, Allijah, Destiny, David, Mikey, Serenity, and Stephanie Henderson; three great grandchildren- Andrew, Emma, and Grayson Henderson; two brothers- Ronald Mertz of Herrin and Brian Patrick of Livonia, Michigan; niece- Jennifer Rose Mertz of Livonia, Michigan; former husband- Robert Ryan Henderson of Taylor, Michigan; and precious dog- Bella.

She is preceded in death by her parents, brother- Michael Mertz, David Scott Rainey- who was like a brother to her, and her best friend- Cindy Szymczak.

Celebration of life services will be held at a later date. Service details will be announced here as information becomes available. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you gather your people for a BBQ or check on someone who needs help - because that's what Susan would do.

Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin is honored to serve the family. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.johnsonhughes.com or call 618-942-3102 for more information.

Susan leaves behind a legacy of independence, hard work, generosity, and love. She will be deeply missed by her family, her grandchildren, her clients, and everyone who was lucky enough to know her.

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