Karen Buell Henderson

Karen Buell Henderson, age 82, of McAllen, Texas passed away peacefully on December 11, 2025. In her final days, Karen was surrounded by her loving family who will be forever grateful for the compassionate care demonstrated by the doctors, nurses, admin and personnel at DHR Hospital and DHR Hospice. Karen was born on March 24, 1943 in Big Springs, TX, the daughter of Richard Lee Buell and Helen Ruth Menning. When Karen was six years old, the Buells moved to McAllen to open The Palm Drive-In Movie Theatre located on, what is now, 10th and Nolana Ave. Karen graduated from McAllen High School in 1961 and continued her education at Pan American University where she graduated with honors in 1965. She was an active member of the Kappa Delta sorority and was crowned Bronco Queen in 1964. Shortly after university, Karen started dating Jim Henderson in what can only be described as an adventurous courtship. An adventure that continued for 50+ years and took her from rat hunting in the city dump to re-creating the Lewis and Clark expedition in a pontoon boat. They raised 3 boys and 1 girl in McAllen where she lived until her passing. When she wasn’t entertaining Jim’s crazy ideas or raising a young family, Karen poured her heart into her career in education. She taught at Fields Elementary and St. John’s Day School where she was promoted and served as director from 1990-2001. However, St. John’s was never just a workplace to Karen; it was her church home for 76 years. Within those very walls, she received the sacrament of marriage and baptized her 4 beautiful children. Karen gifted her time, talent and treasure to St. John’s many ministries over the years and left a lasting legacy of love, strength and compassion. Karen’s retirement in 2001 allowed her to step into her favorite role as Gigi. She and Papa Jim doted on, chased, watched and nurtured 13 grandchildren. Not many grandparents get to have 13 grandchildren raised in the same city. They kept Papa Jim and Gigi busy! You could find them at football games, soccer games, volleyball games, track meets, awards ceremonies, dance recitals, birthday parties and everything in between. Karen is preceded in death by her parents, Helen and Richard Buell, her brother, Rick Buell and her husband Jim Henderson. She leaves behind her sons, Jimmy (Brenda) Henderson, Chris (Tiffany) Henderson, Brandon (Flo) Henderson and daughter Ashlee Henderson. Also, her 13 grandchildren Colton, Macy, Hailey, Lori — Gunnar, Westyn, Mallory, Emmory — Haden, Jonah, Finn — Braxton and Brynn. Gigi - We love you, miss you and we will never forget you! The funeral will be on January 5th, 2026 at 4:30 PM at St. John’s Episcopal Church in McAllen with a reception to follow at Chris & Tiffany Henderson’s home – 1611 Kerria Ave, McAllen, TX. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church where they will be given to their Faith Builds the Future Capital Campaign.

Tributes

Karen Buell Henderson

December 11, 2025