Jeanette S. HENRY

HENRY, Jeanette S., 59, of Richmond, Va., passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, October 15, 2009. She was born February 28, 1950, in Aberdeen, Md. to Thomas L. Stovall and Ruth W. Stovall. Jeanette has one sister, Cindy Fendley, who resides in Roanoke, Va., along with her mother, Ruth. Jeanette is survived by her children, Aimee Eckhardt and her husband, Tim, Sabrina Smith, Trey Henry and his wife, Kristi, Sarah Henry; and adopted daughter, Jacky Gramazio. Jeanette is also survived by one of her greatest loves, her grandchildren, Liam and Colin Henry, Benjamin Eckhardt, Luka Gramazio and one yet to be born. Jeanette is predeceased by her husband, Bill Henry, with whom she built a large, loving family and an extended network of friends at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Richmond. As a member of the UU Quilters, she worked on multiple pieces with her fellow quilters, as well as several quilts for her children and grandchildren. She hosted multiple Sip'n'Sups and church parties at home, always enjoying the company of good friends and family. In the past few years, Jeanette kept busy volunteering for the Sheppard's Center driving the elderly to and from appointments and working at the hospital in the NICU cuddling the newborn babies. Before the 2008 presidential election, Jeanette passionately worked on the Obama campaign, volunteering at the Richmond headquarters, canvassing neighborhoods, and hosting campaign volunteers at her home. She also enjoyed travelling abroad and at home, her favorite excursion being a yearly trip to Sandbridge, Va. with her children, grandchildren, and extended family. A memorial service will be held at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Richmond on Saturday, October 24, 2009, at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow at her home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Child Fund International www.childfund.org or the Hospice Foundation of America www.givedirect.org in Jeanette's name.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.