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Norma Jane Henson, age 87, of Xenia, Illinois, passed away Saturday evening, July 21, 2018, at Wabash Christian Village in Carmi.
She was born February 20, 1931, in Bible Grove, to Oscar and Laurel M. (Webster) Childers. Norma was united in marriage to Edwin T. Henson on August 15, 1950, in Flora at the First United Methodist Church, and they celebrated 62 wedding anniversaries together. Edwin preceded Norma in death on June 9, 2013.
Norma was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, and grandmother, and had retired as a cook from the Xenia grade school after many years of service. Her church home for over 60 years was Xenia United Methodist Church, where she participated in the women’s group and sewing group, and where she and Edwin faithfully supported the work of the church in countless ways over the years. She enjoyed working outside at home, caring for her garden and flowers, and canning and storing the harvest. Norma will be remembered for her legacy of faith and family, and the love and caring consideration that she shared with others.
Norma is survived by a daughter: Brenda Dutcher (husband Arnold) of Springfield; a son: David Henson (wife Carolyn) of Carmi; a foster son: Les Higgason (wife Stacy) of Flora; 11 grandchildren: Heather, Shannon, Matthew, Matt, Mark, Candice, Chris, Shawn, Jeff, Brent, and Cameron; 20 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; siblings: Robert Childers (wife Beverly) of Flora, Rosemary Elmore of Newton, and Larry Childers (wife Alice) of Flora; a sister-in-law: Joyce Childers of Colorado; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother: Charles Childers; daughter-in-law: Cheryl Henson; and brother-in-law: Merle Elmore.
A funeral service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 25, 2018, at Xenia United Methodist Church with Pastor Bob McNeely officiating. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora, and from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Interment will be in Powers Cemetery. Memorial donations are suggested to Xenia United Methodist Church, and will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a memory or condolence, visit www.frankandbright.com.
Jul 20, 1934 - Apr 14, 2024
Nov 1, 1976 - Apr 13, 2024
Aug 31, 1955 - Apr 12, 2024
Jan 4, 1975 - Apr 7, 2024
Apr 22, 1958 - Jan 18, 2024
Deepest sympathies at this difficult time.
Our sincerest condolences to the family. Brenda and David, we are sorry we were unable to be at the visitation. You were, and remain, in our prayer for your peace.
Grandma, I will miss you dearly as I have missed Grandpa these past 5 years. I was looking out my bedroom window this morning and noticed two cardinals fly up and land on my patio chair - the one I always sit in. It was a male and female. I immediately thought about you and grandpa finally together again in heaven. Every time I have ever seen cardinals I always remember when I was a child growing up and visiting, the place mats you had with the different birds and telling you the cardinal was my favorite bird. I know you and Grandpa will be looking over us and will always be with us! We love you so much and know you are at peace! I will miss your chicken and noodles and your blackberry cobbler and all your kind words. Love you! Heather
Norma will be missed by all who knew her. I always loved seeing her when I was at the Xenia United Methodist Church.
My deepest sympathy to the family. Norma & Edwin were both good friends. I never knew how good till I lost my late husband Ken. What a dedicated church member, & when times were tough Norma gave me a job. I learned a lot from this sweet lady, and enjoyed her company. I even got to take pictures of you all at the church when you kids had come to visit.
Brenda and David, Ned and I are so sorry to learn of Norma's death. However, I'm sure there is much rejoicing in Heaven both for Norma and Edwin. They became like family when we moved back to Xenia. We both enjoyed talking with them and hearing them recount experiences they had in their lives. There is an even bigger void in Xenia now. They were two examples of honest, sincere, and loving Christians. May God surround you with peace and love as you go through the next few days. We love you guys. Ned and BJ
Brenda and David, I am so sorry for your loss. I understand what you are going through and wish you much peace knowing she is in a much better place. Was happy to see her a few years ago at the Xenia Fish Fry. Take care and thinking of you. Janis Burgess
Brenda and David and families, my sympathy to you all during this sad time. Your mother's passing is particularly sad to me, because after Melba's passing several years ago and that of your Dad, she was the last of those we all knew and loved while we were growing up in the Xenia United Methodist Church so many years ago. She was continually a shining example of Christian love and her life is truly a testament to faith in action, in both word and deed. She will be sorely missed but know shes happy now being with our Lord and back with your father and no more pain or sorrow. May God be with you all and grant you his peace. Dana Hosick
Very sorry for your loss my condolences.
So sorry for your loss. Not an easy time. God will give you strength. She was a great lady and will be greatly missed.
I am sorry to hear of your loss. Ms Norma was a sweet lady. I enjoyed getting to know her while she was at Heritage Woods.
Sorry for your loss! Linda Judd and Cliff Harrell
Norma was such a sweet lady that will be missed by many. Prayers for peace and comfort in the days ahead. Bryan & Gayla Land
Our thoughts and prayers for the family.
So sorry for your loss, Norma was a wonderful lady! Prayers of comfort.
We are sorry for your loss. Rick & Trudy Stanford
Prayers for comfort and peace for the family.
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]
