Joan B. Henderson, 80, of Columbia, died on Friday, July 12, 2024. Born August 21, 1943, in Atlanta, Georgia, she was a daughter of the late Harry Leo and Minnie Lee Stephens Broadwell.
Joan married her first love, Monte Veal, straight out of high school. She was a stay-at-home mom who raised two children. Joan spent many years moving across the United States supporting Monte in his military career. After retiring at Ft. Jackson, Monte and Joan settled in Columbia, SC. She worked several years at the Cookie Factory in Columbia Mall, the family-owned business. Though this relationship ended after 28 years of marriage, Joan greatly cherished her many memories of that time in her life.

Joan later met her 2nd husband, Michael Henderson, while vacationing in California. After several short months of dating, they married. Michael was a golf pro in Honolulu, Hawaii and the two of them settled there for many happy years. Upon Michael's retirement, they moved to Murrells Inlet, SC to be closer to Joan's children and grandchildren.

Joan had a fun loving and sassy way about her. She always had a great passion for animals and deeply loved her cat, Smokey. She loved all things military and supported several veteran causes.

She will be missed by her family, but they find comfort in knowing she has complete healing and wholeness in the arms of Jesus Christ.

Survivors include her son, Monte Ray Veal Jr. "Sonny" (Donna), daughter, Alison Veal Kolb (Kevin), her grandchildren, Monte Ray Veal III "Trey" (Sarah), Kinsley Kolb (fiancé Stephen Griffin), and Caleb Kolb. She is also survived by her brother, John Broadwell as well as her nieces and nephew.

In addition to her parents, Joan was preceded in death by her husband of 27 years, Michael Henderson.

The graveside service for Mrs. Henderson will be held at 1 o'clock, Tuesday, July 16th at Florence National Cemetery, 803 E National Cemetery Rd, Florence, SC 29506.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pawmetto Lifeline, 1275 Bower Pkwy, Columbia, SC 29212, Fostering Foster Animal Rescue, 1718 Kennedy Dr, Camden, SC 29020, Wounded Warriors, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675, or Tunnels to Towers, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, New York 10306.