Shirley M. HENDERSON

WILLIAMSBURG - Shirley M. Henderson, 87, of Edgewood Farm, Williamsburg, Va., died peacefully on Jan. 4, after a brief period of declining health.
Mrs. Henderson was born on April 30, 1922, in Petersburg, Va., the older of two children of Rose Taylor and Worthington Mahone. She married David L. Henderson on March 28, 1942.
Mrs. Henderson was the matriarch of a large extended family. She was a supportive wife, nurturing mother and wonderful grandmother. Through her loving support, Mrs. Henderson was instrumental in helping her husband, David establish Henderson Inc. in 1957. While raising their four children, she was an integral part of the success of Henderson, Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Henderson retired to Florida for 25 years, returning to Williamsburg and making their home at Edgewood Farm. She loved to read, was a phenomenal cook, and enjoyed fishing anywhere from the deep sea to the pond behind her home. She was the driving force in keeping her large extended family connected, including an annual family reunion for the last 21 years at the Outer Banks.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 67 years, David; three sons, David L. Henderson II and wife, Barbara of Fredericksburg, Va., Thomas J. Henderson of Elizabeth City, N.C., and fiancE, Kim Thomas of Chesapeake, Va., and Peter V. Henderson and wife, Connie of Williamsburg; a daughter, Susan H. Meadows and husband, Richard of Ottumwa, Iowa; a brother, Worthington Mahone and wife, Jean of Melbourne Fla. Mrs. Henderson is also survived by 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010, at Hickory Neck Episcopal Church in Toano, Va.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Sentara Hospice of Williamsburg, 1100 Professional Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23185 . View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.