Verna Mae James Henderson was born on July 15, 1914. She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School then attended Clark College. She graduated in 1939. She later earned her Master's degree from Atlanta University. Verna was a teacher and principal. She worked at Walter White Elementary School. She was a member of Radcliffe Presbyterian Church and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

She was co-founder of the O.F.F. Bridge Club and was married to L.C. Henderson. She died in 2013.