Shirley Ann Henderson, 85, of Lincoln passed away on December 7, 2020. Born March 23, 1935, in Hope, Arkansas, to Lester and Vera (Barton) Carter. Shirley was the oldest of three daughters and grew up in Stuttgart, Arkansas. She attended Ouachita Baptist University and majored in Home Economics. It was there where she met Bud, the love of her life. Shirley worked as Bud finished his medical residency, and their family grew.
She and Bud moved to Stuttgart, Arkansas, with their four children, for Bud’s first pediatric clinic. As Bud’s patient load grew, he accepted an opportunity to join a pediatric group in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where their family put down roots and flourished for many years. Shirley led the PTA, coached her daughters’ softball teams, directed one of the first day care centers in Pine Bluff and hundreds of other “jobs” that came with being the wife of Bud and mother of four active children. Shirley eventually managed Bud’s medical clinic for many years.
Shirley was successful at any task she put her mind to. She was an amazing seamstress, making clothing for her daughters, drapes, pillows, just about anything she needed to decorate their homes. In turn, Bud taught Shirley about many life adventures, such as trout fishing, camping all year round (even in the snow), snow skiing, hiking, horseback riding. Every summer they would pack up a camper and hit the road, with kids and pets in tow. They drove across the country visiting almost every state and interesting campground available, accumulating many stories and adventures.
As the children grew up, Bud’s medical and business ventures took them to Hot Springs, Arkansas. Then on to Rogers, Arkansas. As it became apparent that Shirley was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, she and Bud moved to Lincoln, NE, to be closer to their daughter and her family. Shirley’s sweet demeanor was a constant as she weathered the ravages of her illness. She was lovingly tended by the wonderful in-home caregivers from Guardian Angels and the devoted care of those at Waterford Estates. Bud and her family are most grateful for the loving care she is received over the past five years. Bud and her family are going to miss her terribly but are so thankful she is well and in the arms of her Savior and in the company of loved ones who have gone before her.
Shirley is survived by her husband, of 64 years, Francis “Bud” Henderson; daughter Suzanne (Mark) Geist; sons Clyde Scott (Paula) Henderson and Stephen (Rebecca) Henderson; son-in-law Stephen Sample; grandchildren, Carter (Becca) Sample, Sydney Sample, Emily Sample, Alexis (Marcus) Geist Plouzek, John Mark Geist (Brittany), Derek Geist (Rebecca), Tiffany (Jason) Smith, Ariel (Caleb) Rohde, Jonathan Henderson, Ashley Henderson; great grandchildren, Elsa, Rosie, Gracie, Benson, Rowan, Brix, Carter, Xander, Abby, Saoirse; sister Mary (Dale) Keeton; sister-in-law Aloah Jean (BJ) Page.
Preceded in death by her daughter Mary (Henderson) Sample and her sister, Jerry Pope.
Limited visitation Thursday, December 10, 4:00 pm, at Roper & Sons South Lincoln Chapel.
Funeral Service for the family only 10:00 am Friday (12-11-2020) at Roper & Sons South Lincoln Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Dr.
Memorial contributions may be directed towards Alzheimer’s Foundation.