Jestine Marie Cutshall Henderson

1914 - 2008

Jestine Marie Cutshall Henderson, 93, of Roanoke, left her earthly life to go to her home with the Lord on Wednesday, August 20, 2008. She died while in Gentle Shepherd Hospice care at the Daleville home of her daughter and son-in-law, Fran and Charlie Krause, and their daughter Natalie. In addition to Fran and Charlie, Jestine is survived by her son, Mike Henderson, of Roanoke; and a daughter and son-in-law, Genie and Bill Schutt, of Richmond. Eight grandchildren also survive the loss of their ''Nana,'' Will Krause, Robert Krause and his wife, Emily, Natalie Krause, Dylan Henderson, Graham Henderson, Melissa Schutt, Anne Schutt Loveless and her husband, Jeff, and Frederick Schutt. Jestine's greatgrandchildren are Bert and May Loveless. Two nieces, Barbara Pultz Young and Anne Pultz Roesch, and their families, are also surviving. Many of Jestine's friends passed on before her; many friends survive. Jestine was predeceased by her husband, Myron E. Henderson; her brother, Robert W. Cutshall; and her sisters, Belvesta Cutshall Auldridge and Arline Cutshall Pultz. Jestine Marie Cutshall was born December 9, 1914, in Roanoke, the youngest child of Minor Wayne Cutshall and Fannie Bataille Cutshall. She was a graduate of Jefferson High School and of Farmville State Teachers College (now Longwood University). Jestine began a teaching career at Covington High School, where she taught several subjects. She later taught mathematics at Woodrow Wilson Junior High, Roanoke. Jestine married Myron Henderson, then a biology professor at Roanoke College, in 1940. During and after her husband's World War II service as a Navy officer, Jestine managed the couple's household and reared their three children, while also providing encouragement and valuable support for Myron's completion of dental school, and then for his establishing and maintaining a respected Roanoke dental practice.
Jestine was a pillar of First Baptist Church from the "cradle roll" well into her 80's, serving the church and her Lord in many capacities. She taught several adult Sunday School classes, taught children in the Baptist Mission Center, was president of the Women's Missionary Auxiliary and was for many years an active force in the City Rescue Mission. At her death Jestine was a participating member of Grandin Court Baptist Church, where her son-in-law, Charles Krause, is Minister of Discipleship and Senior Adults. She was particularly interested in seeing the completion of Grandin Court's Ministries Activity Center, where outreach to the community will take place. Jestine brought joy and life to her family and friends. With her boundless energy, generous spirit and gracious hospitality, she made everyone she knew feel welcome and loved. A consummate hostess, she was well-known for her mouthwatering rolls and her famous mints, and was always willing to share her kitchen "secrets" with others. Her prayers from the heart and her enduring faith served as a powerful Christian witness and inspiration to her children, grandchildren and many others. She was devoted to her family, especially her older sister and close friend, Arline. She loved family gatherings with games (many of which she devised!), bridge, Duke Basketball (played by "my boys"), flowers, food, and her dear Sunday School friends.
A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, August 23, 2008, at Grandin Court Baptist Church with the Rev. Charles A. Krause and Dr. Kevin Meadows officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Burial Park. The family will receive friends at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel on Friday, August 22, 2008, from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorial gifts may be made to The Rescue Mission, 402 Fourth Street S.E., Roanoke, Va. 24013 or Grandin Court Baptist Church, MAC Building Fund, 2660 Brambleton Avenue, Roanoke, Va. 24015. Arrangements by Oakey's Roanoke Chapel, 540-982-2100.