In Tribute to a Giver

   I want to give honor to my sister-in-law, Shirley Henson, who went to her heavenly home on April 6, 2023.  She was a wonderful friend and was loved by many.  She had a most amazing card ministry of which capacity I have never seen.  My brother, Robert, estimated that in their nearly 57 years of marriage she sent close to 100,000 cards to people around the world.  Many of you reading this article can attest to the fact that you have been a recipient of her sweet cards that often contained a teabag, hankie, or small gift.  It was not unusual to observe her at all hours of the day or night to be sitting with a stack of cards and writing a personal note in each one.  To others it would have been a formidable task, but to her it was a heart-rendered ministry. 

Shirley never went anywhere to visit without being accompanied by a large bag of gifts.  She was a giver extraordinaire.  She never missed a birthday or anniversary to extended family and hundreds of friends.  If she came to your home for a visit, she was never without a hostess gift. If there were children in the home, they each would receive a gift.  If it was a committee meeting she was attending, you can be assured that everyone received something special from Shirley.

We have so many fond memories through the years, and many of them took place around the dinner table.  She was an excellent cook, and we all enjoyed her labor of love in the kitchen. She was more than happy to share her recipes, and we use many of them still today.

Her giving heart has left an amazing legacy of love to many, and we vow to step up our good intentions in her honor.  Her cheerful spirit is already deeply missed, and we struggle with the empty place left in our family.  Her phone calls and texts are sorely missed as we navigate life without her.  Anything purple, Fannie May dark chocolate vanilla creams, teabags, flower pin accessories, cards and gifts will all bring special thoughts to us of Shirley. 

We give special honor to a real giver in whom God was well pleased!

Shirley Henson

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