My sister-in-law, Shirley Henson, who went to her heavenly home on April 6, 2023, was well-described as an exceptional giver.
She was a wonderful friend, loved by many, and her card ministry was amazing, displaying a capacity unlike any I have ever seen. My brother, Robert, estimated that during their nearly fifty-seven years of marriage, she sent close to one hundred thousand cards to people around the world. During her homegoing celebration, he humorously voiced his retirement from the volunteer postal service! He described the frequent trips to the post office carrying (and sometimes dropping) her large stacks of cards.
Many of you reading this article received her sweet cards, which often contained a teabag, handkerchief, or other small gift. It was not unusual to observe her at all hours of the day or night, sitting with a collection of cards and writing a note in each one. It was never just a card and signature but always included a personal message. It would have been a formidable task to others, 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 the birthdays or anniversaries of her 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 would each receive a gift. If she attended a committee meeting, everyone received something from Shirley. The gifts weren’t extravagant but showed her thoughtfulness and giving heart.
We have numerous fond memories of her through the years, with a significant portion of them taking place around the dinner table. She was an excellent cook, and we all enjoyed her labor of love in the kitchen. She was happy to share her recipes with us. Some of them, which she gave us more than fifty years ago, are still used today.
Church bake sales were dear to her heart, and her contributions were substantial. She baked dozens of items for each sale, with the proceeds going to ministries. Her neighbors loved her and enjoyed the dessert trays they received from her during the holiday season.
A special love of Shirley’s was foreign Bible school students, which she enthusiastically promoted. At her funeral, one hundred and ten students were sponsored in her honor. Her burden lives on and continues to lead others to Christ.
Her generous heart has imparted a remarkable legacy of love worldwide, and we vow to step up our good intentions in her honor. We deeply miss the sunshine she spread and her effervescent smile, and we struggle with the empty place left in our family. We sorely miss her phone calls and texts as we navigate life without her. Remembering how we sometimes had to decipher her texts makes me smile. She would hurriedly send a message, not taking time for proofing, yet always connecting with others. Fannie May dark chocolate vanilla creams, teabags, flower pin accessories, cards, gifts, and anything purple will always bring us loving thoughts of Shirley.
Ladies Ministries and the Reflections committee miss her sweet and cheerful spirit and will always be grateful to have known her. We give sincere tribute to a real giver in whom God is well pleased. We miss you, Shirley, and plan to meet you in Heaven!
Wanda Fielder, founder and editor of the website and newsletter Tealightful Inspirations, serves as the Ladies Ministries UPCI Connections director. She and her husband, James, have recently retired from pastoring forty years in Portage, Indiana. She is enjoying retirement life, traveling, and spending time with her three grandchildren.
