Shirley Tharpe Henderson, age 77, of Decatur died Thursday, December 18, 2008. She attended Valdosta Women’s College, and graduated from the University of Georgia and received her masters degree from Georgia State University. Shirley touched many children’s lives as a first grade teacher at McLendon Elementary School in DeKalb County for over 25 years. She was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother, and a member of the First Christian Church of Decatur. Shirley was preceded in death by her great granddaughter Victoria Grace Wilkins. She is survived by her son, William Joseph Henderson and his wife Nina of Rutledge, GA; daughter, Mary H. Rhea and her husband Mark of Duluth, GA; sister, Mary Cobb Williams of Cordele, GA; grandchildren, Tanya Kitchens, Jake Henderson, Sarah Rhea, Drew Henderson, Charlie Rhea; great grandchildren, Madelynn Henderson; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Sunday, December 21st at 3:00 P.M. at the First Christian Church of Decatur with Rev. Travis Woodward officiating. Those desiring may send contributions to Georgia Rescue and Rehab for Animals at GARescueRehab@yahoo.com or to the First Christian Church of Decatur, 601 W. Ponce De Leon Ave., Decatur, GA 30030. The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 P.M. Saturday at A. S. Turner & Sons.
