Jean Louise Henderson

Jean was born to Charles and Mary Coshow in Jamestown Boone County, Indiana on September 28, 1920. Jean was the second oldest of four children. Oldest brother Jack Coshow Jean-deceased currently residing in Eugene, OR and younger twin sisters Ilene {Harold} both deceased, Irene Frank reside in Brownsburg, IN. One sister in-law: Virginia Kimberlin Chad-deceased of Indianapolis, IN. Jean had numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, two sons: Jim and Joe, four grandchildren: Joe, Tricia deceased, Christopher deceased and Blake. Four great grandchildren: Isaac, Jamison, Alexandria and Gabriel. Jean graduated from Pittsboro High School in 1938. Worked for Burroughs adding Machine Co. from 1939-1941. Jean enlisted in the U.S. Navy during WWII and served from 1942-1945 at the U.S. Naval Barracks in Washington, D.C. In 1946 Jean married her loving husband James E. Henderson, Sr. in Jeffersonville, IN. Jean raised two sons, first James, Jr. and a year later with Joseph D. both currently residing in Mesa, AZ. During the 50's and 60's, while raising the boy's at the Parker house in Indianapolis the Henderson home became the hub for all the neighborhood kids and wonderful memories of sports, music and childhood antics. All adored and respected Mom and Dad "H". Jean was everyone's "Mom" providing PBJ's and bolognas sandwiches. Mom always took pride with her dressing and jewelry, cooked, gardened, kept an immaculate house, worked before it was the norm, decorated for every holiday, loved to play Euker and Skibo, loved her antiques and many, many collectable collections. Mom and Dad supported us in music, sports in good and bad times. She loved giving to all. She enjoyed writing letters and read her Bible daily. She was a fierce patriot a Christian and absolutely devoted to God and Family. Jean worked at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Indiana from 1970-1975. While semi-retired in 1980, again Jean wanting to be close to her grandchildren Jim and Jean moved to South Padre Island, TX. They lived a stone's throw away from family and the white sandy beaches on South Padre Island. She adored walking the beaches with the grandkids and family collecting sea shells and feeding the seagulls. Enjoying the numerous views of shrimp boats, dolphins, turtles, birds, and at dusk... watching breath-taking sunsets from their top patio deck. Jim and Jean managed their Island T-shirt Shop. Later they managed the Antlers Inn in Kennedy, TX. After the kids moved back to Arizona they managed the Weslaco, TX RV park. In 1992 they moved to Mesa, AZ to be closer to grandchildren and Family. Having a devoted daughter-in-law also named Jean and married to Joseph. Jean always said, "She was the daughter she never had". She called her Jean, Jr. to eliminate the obvious confusion with our family having two Jim's, two Jean's and two Joe's. A Post Office nightmare to say the least. Mom loved her children. All her grandchildren, great grandchildren, siblings, extended family, friends and care givers with a passion unprecedented. Her health problems never faulted her gentle and loving character with all. To the end she dressed with care, played any game at the drop of a hat, listened to country western music, wrote letters, and sorely missed her mother, father and husband Jim of 57 years. Her humor and faith remained firm to the very end. JEAN'S FAVORITE THINGS IN LIFE: FOODS: Shrimp, fruit, cheese, Ritz crackers, all deserts and CHOCOLATE. COLORS: Purple, Red and Gold. HOBBY'S: Loved watching sports, especially basketball, baseball and football. Avid reader, loved poetry, read the Bible daily, puzzle books, art & crafts, music, playing games, collectables later in life crosses and butterfly's and writing letter's. SONGS: Stardust, Amazing Grace and Coca Cola Cowboy. SINGER: George Strait and too many other's to list. AUTHUR'S: Shakespeare, Daniel Steele and Lous L'amour. SPORTS TEAMS: The Phoenix Suns, AZ Diamondbacks, Dallas Cowboys, Indiana Hoosier's Basketball, Indy 500 and Kentucky Derby. BEST MEMORY: Way too many to list. All surround around family, the wonderful memories from family and friends. WORST MEMORY: When both sons were serving in the U.S.A.F. overseas. Joe in Viet Nam two years and Jim in Thailand 2 years. Jean kept the Christmas tree up the entire time they were gone. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Mom wanted everyone to know, including all her friends from Chandler, that she loved her final home at Brookdale at East Mesa formerly Emeritus at East Mesa and very special Thanks to the entire staff, including the previous director to present, administrative, to activities, beauty parlor, food preparation, maintenance, aids and caregivers, Dr. Pace and nursing staff. She considered all of you family and loved you dearly. Also, very special thoughts and thanks go out to the entire staff of Sage Hospice. Each and every one made Mom's last several weeks more special by their extra personal, nursing and spiritual care. THANK YOU, THANK YOU! You are all the best and most special caregivers of all the homes Mom had ever lived. From the bottom of Joe's, Jean's and Blake's hearts we can't Thank You enough. Mom loved you all! SPECIAL POEM TO REMEMBER JEAN BY: SHOP IN HEAVEN'S GROCERY STORE I was walking down life's highway a long time ago. One day I saw a sign that said Heaven's Grocery Store. As I got a little closer, the door came open wide, And when I came to myself, I was standing inside. I saw a host of angels; they were standing everywhere. And one angel said, "My child shop with care". Everything a Christian needed was in that grocery store. And all you couldn't carry you could come back the next day for more. First, I got some patience, love was in the same row. Further down was understanding, you need that everywhere you go. I got a box or two of wisdom, a bag or two of faith. I just couldn't miss the Holy Ghost for He was all over the place. I stopped to get some strength and courage to help me run the race. By then my basket was getting full, but I remembered I needed some grace. I didn't forget salvation, for salvation that was free. So, I tried to get enough of that to save you and me. Then I started to the counter to pay my grocery bill. For I thought I had everything to do my Master's will. As I went up the aisle, I saw prayer and just had to put that in. For I knew when I stepped outside I would run right into sin. Peace and joy were plentiful, they were on the last shelf. Song and praises were hanging near so I just helped myself. Then, I said now how much do I owe? He just smiled and said, "Just take them everywhere you go". How much do I really owe? He smiled and said, "My child, Jesus paid your bill a long time ago". Author Unknown Thanks Mom for everything! You will always be in our thoughts and prayers. WE ALL LOVE YOU! NOTIFICATIONS: ~MEMORIAL SERVICE~ Saturday, November 8th @ 10:00am at Brookdale at East Mesa, 6145 E. Arbor Ave., Mesa, AZ 85206 PHONE: 480-832-1300 ~BURIAL~ Meldrum Mortuary handling Funeral arrangements. 52 N. Macdonald, Mesa, AZ 85201, Private Family Burial Services TBD will be held at the V.A. National Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix, AZ. ~DONATIONS~ In lieu of flowers Donations will be accepted either at: 1. Brookdale at East Mesa, 6145 E. Arbor Ave., Mesa, AZ 85206 phone: 480-832-1300 2. Sage Hospice Atten: Zach Haptonstall cell phone: 602-859-5458, 5111 N. Scottsdale Rd., Suite 155, Scottsdale, AZ 85250 3. Chandler/Gilbert ARC Chapter 2712Association for Retarded Children, 3250 N. San Marcos Pl., Chandler, AZ 85225-7789 4. The ARC of ColoradoAssociation for Retarded ChildrenPhone: 303-864-9334, 1580 Logan St., Suite 730, Denver, CO 80203