Lois Middleton , at the glorious age of 73, took hold of God's Loving Hand and departed from us; on March 25, 2023 at Riverside Hospital in Newport News, VA.  She was born on July 31, 1949, to her mother, the late Luella Cousins and her father, the late James Henderson Jr. Lois was a long-time resident of New York. She spent the majority of her teenage years commuting from New York to Connecticut to the home of her favorite aunt and cousins.  Lois finally escaped the New York City cold in 1995 and moved to sunny Jacksonville, Florida.

Lois grew up surrounded by her large family.  She was the youngest of 10 children.  She was influenced by her family to be a loving and caring woman and was always giving her time to others. She incorporated these special gifts into her motherhood.  As a mother, she was loving, caring, kind, and no nonsense.  Lois raised her children with love and devotion, setting a blueprint that is still strong today.  Lois was extremely proud of her children. Lois had a passion for feeding everyone her delicious and famous macaroni and cheese, bingo, and engaged in everything Steve Harvey and Tyler Perry.

Lois is preceded in death by her mother, Luella Cousins, father James Henderson Jr., brothers Julius Mitchell, Ronald Mitchell, Carl Mitchell, Herbert Cousins, and James Everette Henderson and sister Elizabeth Mitchell.  She leaves to cherish her memories and legacy, her husband of 52 years, Sandy James Ford, her children, Michael Henderson (the honorable Yvette Ayala Henderson), Ronald Henderson (LaTorya Henderson), Dr. Rochelle Henderson-Clark (Jimmie Clark Jr.), and Nicole Henderson RN, BSN (Brummell McQuilkin).  Grandchilldren, Ronald Jennings, Mark Hynes Jr., Darrion Scott, Aaliyah Henderson-Banks, Yriannah Richards, Jasai Middleton, Dalon Ruffin and Skyla Jones.  Godchildren, Calvin Johnson, and Ebony Sutton. Siblings, L. Teresa Macon, Dominic Cousins, and Judy Glasgow. Sister in Laws, Denise Caldwell and Frances Mack and a host of loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Viewing will be held Friday, March 31, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601-27th, Newport News, Va. A funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 1, 2023 at the funeral chapel.