Cheryl L. Henderson, 69, of Raleigh, North Carolina passed away Sunday, August 10, 2025.

Cheryl, affectionately known to family as “Bootsie,” was born December 23, 1955, in Washington, D.C. to the late Herbert H. Henderson, Esq., and Maxine D. (McKissick) Henderson, before moving to Huntington, West Virginia in 1958.

The eldest of four children, Cheryl grew up with a deep sense of responsibility and a passion for education that would shape the course of her life. She started school at St. Peter Claver Grade School at the age of five (5) and graduated from Huntington High School in 1973. Cheryl completed her B.A. in English from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee in three (3) years; then, her J.D. from West Virginia University College of Law in 1980. During her legal studies, she spent a summer at the Exeter College of Law in Exeter, England.

After working as a trademark attorney at the Department of Commerce in Washington, D.C., she returned home and began practicing under the tutelage of her father, Herbert H. Henderson, Esq. She was eventually joined by her two sisters, Gail Henderson-Staples, Esq., and Sherri Henderson, Esq., and her brother-in-law Dwight J. Staples, Esq. Cheryl retired from practicing law in 2020 and relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina to be with her son, Justin L. Henderson.

Cheryl was a strong advocate for supporting attorneys of color – advancing priorities focused on social change, enhanced representation, and equity in the legal system. She served as an active member of several organizations: National Bar Association, Mountain State Bar Association (President 1996-1998; Treasurer recently and 1988-1994), American Bar Association, West Virginia State Bar Association, West Virginia Bar Foundation (1997-2002), Cabell County Bar Association (President 2001-2002; Vice-President 1987-1988), MCLE Commission (1989-1992), State Bar Board of Governors (1990-1994), West Virginia Disciplinary Board, West Virginia University Visiting Committee (1996-2000), and Commission on Lawyer Specialization and Certification (1997-1998). Cheryl was well regarded in the legal and justice system for her professionalism and collegial spirit, earning the admiration of colleagues from different backgrounds. In May of 2015, she was appointed as the City of Huntington’s first African American Municipal Court Judge by Mayor Steve Williams. She swore in her sister, Gail Henderson-Staples, to take her place in 2021.

Cheryl was active as a volunteer in her community. She was a proud life member Soror of her beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority for many years, and she served as President of Beta Tau Omega Chapter (1987-1989, 1994-1996, and 2002-2008). She was a member of Ebenezer United Methodist Church, the UMC’s Race and Race Relations Committee (1996-1999), Ebenezer Medical Outreach Board for over 20 years, Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers Network, Inc (1998-2000), Cabell County Juvenile Probation Program (mentor, 1999-2001), Center for Independent Living Board of Directors (1987-1990), Ebenezer Community Outreach Center Board of Directors (1992-1994), St. Mary’s Advisory Board for Women’s Health, Team for West Virginia (1995-1999), WPBY Advisory Council (1994-1998), Huntington Zoning Appeals Board, Tri-State Airport Authority, Board of Directors of the Huntington Museum of Art, and of the Junior League of Huntington. Cheryl was appointed to the West Virginia Board of Medicine as one of three (3) lay members by Governor Joe Manchin, III, in November, 2010. Cheryl also started the Black Swans Book Club to encourage support of African American authors. She was often seen around town providing books to community mini-libraries as Cheryl believed education was key to both professional and personal growth. She was a strong advocate and supporter of her alma mater, Fisk University, as well as all HBCUs.

Beyond her career, Cheryl’s proudest and most cherished role was that of mother to her devoted son, Justin L. Henderson. Cheryl was a loving, devout and present mother, fully immersed in her son’s life, traveling extensively with Justin, supporting Justin in his professional endeavors and cheering for Justin’s successes. Her love for both her son and her family was boundless; she worked tirelessly to ensure their lives were full of opportunity. Cheryl will be remembered as a woman of integrity, warmth and resilience. Her legacy of service, love and advocacy lives on in the many lives she touched as a mother, daughter, sister, aunt, colleague, mentor and friend.

Cheryl was proceeded in death by her husband, William Booker, and her parents, Herbert H. Henderson, Esq., and Maxine D. (McKissick) Henderson. Left to cherish her memory are her son, Justin L. Henderson; sisters, Sherri Henderson and Gail Henderson-Staples (Dwight) of Huntington, West Virginia; sister, Leslie Henderson-Williams (Anthony) of Bowie, Maryland; nephews, Jason Greene (Tourgenia), Jared Williams and Corey Williams; nieces, Adrienne Willoughby, Jeanine Staples-Johnson (Martin), Amber Staples and Olivia Staples; great nephews, Justin Greene and Martin Julian Johnson; great nieces, Cameron Greene and Reagan Greene; stepdaughter, Ceateetra Booker; her beloved and devoted friend, William Brooks; and a host of many cousins, aunts, uncles, friends and colleagues who were blessed to know her. Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that Cheryl’s life was one well-lived and that her spirit, like her love, will never fade.

A Celebration of Life will take place Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. at Hall Funeral Home, 625 County Road 775, Proctorville, Ohio 45669 with Reverend Reginald Hill officiating. Interment will follow at Woodmere Memorial Park, 2701 Washington Boulevard, Huntington, West Virginia 25705. Friends may visit with the family from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. At 1:00 p.m. an Ivy Beyond the Wall Memorial Service will be conducted by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Cheryl L. Henderson Scholarship Fund and sent to Henderson, Henderson & Staples, LC, 711 Fifth Avenue, Huntington, WV 25701. The scholarship fund will be endowed at Fisk University. Donations may also be made via https://everloved.com/life-of…

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