Daphine (Cortez) Hendry

Daphine Cortez Hendry, 78, of Amarillo, Randall County, Texas, transitioned to her heavenly home on Friday, May 2, 2025.

Daffy was the youngest of nine siblings born in Amarillo, Potter County, Texas, to Reverend H. W. and Thenolia Roberson Cortez. Needless to say, Daffy, being the baby of the family, was quite spoiled and demanded her way most of the time!

Daffy graduated from Carver High School in 1964 and then attended Langston University in Oklahoma, earning a bachelor’s degree in education. She taught school in the Amarillo Independent School District (AISD) for twenty years, retiring in 1999, and ending her career at Whittier Elementary School. Daffy was not blessed with biological children, but she loved and nurtured her students like they were her own. Everywhere she went, someone would say, “Hi, Mrs. Hendry,” and she would say, “That was my student.” She was very loving and kindhearted, especially to babies and young people. She was also the “babysitter” in her church, Emmanuel Temple Church, where she would hold babies while their mothers did ministry during the church services.

She was fun, friendly, outgoing, and socially confident. Daffy was a member of the Ebonaires Social Club, which she was instrumental in organizing in 1977. She was also a member of the Hilltop Senior Citizens Center and enjoyed her daily visits until her health began to fail.

Daffy was a faithful member of Emmanuel Temple Church and was the leader of the Culinary Department until she was no longer able to perform those duties. Despite her failing health, she was able to attend church service on Easter Sunday this year, and it was a beautiful blessing for her and her Emmanuel Temple Church family. She was an active supporter of the Mothers’ Board, and when she was no longer able to support in person, she supported with her finances when needed. Daffy was often heard praying and asking God to help her or heal her. She loved the Lord, her family, and her church family.

She had a special relationship with her nieces and nephews. When they were growing up, she would often go by after school to pick one or two of them up and take them to get a Pepsi, a hamburger, take them shopping, or to play video games. She loved to play Ms. Pac-Man back in the day! All her nieces and nephews adored their Aunt Daphine!

Daffy is preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Opaline Thrower and Johnnie Edwards, and five brothers, Brady Dean Cortez, Therlow Cortez, Richard Cortez, Jessie Cortez, and Roy Cortez.

She is survived by her sister, Nadine Cortez Johnson, two sisters-in-law, Laverne Cortez and Beatrice Cortez, nine nieces, seventeen nephews, and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends.

Daffy was dearly loved by her family, her church family, and many friends. Her legacy will continue to live on to inspire future generations. We miss you, Daffy!

Please sign the Online Guest Book and view Ms. Daphine Cortez Hendry’s obituary at www.warfordmortuary.com.