Ms. Shirley Ann McHenry, in her 88th year, received her rest on Tuesday morning, September 17, 2024.

Mrs. Shirley Ann McHenry was the sixth child born to Emeal and Helen G. Rivers on August 31, 1936, in Haskell, Oklahoma. She attended Booker T. Washington High school, graduating as Valedictorian of her senior class. Following graduation, she attended Langston University. She later worked alongside her mother for the State of Oklahoma. During this time, she received recognition from the National Mental Health Association for her work at Taft State Hospital.

She met the love of her life, Armstead McHenry Jr., who courted her from 1955 until their marriage on May 27, 1957. They shared 45 wonderful years together until they were parted by death in July 2002. To the union of Shirley and Armstead McHenry, five children were born: Edwin Brian McHenry (Sonvanyetta), Janis McHenry Dunn, Otis Paul McHenry (Sheryl), Steven Dewayne McHenry and Sherry Dawn Leland (Curtis). Instilled in each of them was the word of God, the love of God, and the love of family.

In the year 2000, Mrs. McHenry retired from the State of Oklahoma to take care of her husband as his health declined. Even after retirement, she continued to make a difference in the lives of others as an advisor to The Sherrell Helen McHenry foundation. Mrs. McHenry was also apart of the planning of Anchor Fellowship Bible Church, as she served as the church mother.

Despite her allergies, she loved being outside, thus, enhancing her love for gardening. Her yard was often compared to plush carpet in the spring. She enjoyed sewing and cooking. Her love of cooking allowed her to bless many bellies. With the love that she infused into her meals, she successfully satiated many who requested her brown beans, green beans, cabbage, dressing, and peach cobbler. Known for her hospitality, and kind acts, she was the epitome of a gracious host. She consistently sent heartfelt cards to acknowledge others' losses, offer comfort, or celebrate their successes with love and care.

She was greeted in glory by her husband of 45 years, Armstead McHenry Jr., and was reunited with the warm, beautiful smile of her granddaughter, Sherrell Helen McHenry.

Her life was filled with love, light, and laughter and her presence on this earth will be deeply missed by her children, Edwin Brian McHenry, Janis McHenry Dunn, Otis Paul McHenry (Sheryl), Steven Dewayne McHenry and Sherry Dawn Leland (Curtis); her brother, Donald Rivers, her grandchildren, Edwin Brian McHenry Jr. (Slim), Tyrone Goree, Edwin Brian McHenry Jr. (Buck), Orlando McHenry, Shermia Dawnya McHenry, Aliyah Staley, Curtis Staley, Victoria Staley, Jahna Dunn-Sherman, Ryan McHenry-Reed, Otis McHenry, Paul Williams, Taylor Williams, Steven Sanchez McHenry, Neshida Alexander, Chris Jones, Shavona Hawkins, Steven Dewayne Alexander, Darell McHenry, Maurice McHenry, Shantel McHenry, Josalind McHenry, Angelic McHenry, a host of spiritual children, family, her church family (Anchor Fellowship Bible Church), and friends.

Mrs. McHenry will always be an amazing gift to the world, to the body of Christ and to
her family. A crown well-deserved, and a heavenly reward well earned.

2 CORINTHIANS 5:1
For we know that if our earthly
house, this tabernacle, were
dissolved, we have a building of
God, a house not made with
hands, eternal in the heavens.

In lieu of flowers we are requesting donations to the Sherrell Helen McHenry Foundation a 501c3 organization created to support graduating seniors that plan to pursue a college degree.   A special thanks, to Anchor Bible Fellowship family, Oak Street Medical staff,  St John Baptist, specifically Dr. Maria Super and Monica Rodriquez,  Porta Caeli Hospice house, First Baptist of Haskell and the Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc., of Muskogee

The Sacred Farewell for Mrs. McHenry will commence on Friday, September 27, 2024 at 10:00 AM in the most holy sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Haskell.  Pastor Caleb Jernigan is the gracious host, Pastor Penny McKittrick will officiate and Pastor Robert Givens will give the eulogy.

Burial will follow the service in the Haskell Cemetery.

You may visit Mrs. McHenry, as she slumbers in sweet repose at the funeral home in Muskogee on Thursday, between the hours of 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

LOCAL FLORIST: lakelandflorist.com (918)687-7574