Geneva Henderson

Geneva Henderson, 84, of Shelbyville passed away Thursday, June 11, 2020, at MHP Medical Center in Shelbyville, with her loved ones around her. She was born February 11, 1936, in Shelbyville, the daughter of Luther and Sally Mae (Pike) Newton. On August 17, 1956, she married her husband of 63 years, Richard David Henderson, and he survives. In addition to Richard, Geneva is survived by her children, Lisa Gaye Fortwengler and fiance’, Arthur Swanson, of Louisville, Kentucky, Bryan David Henderson and wife, Marci, of St. Paul, and Tamara Joy Mohr and husband, Jeffrey, of Waldron; sisters, Eva Frances Bolinger of Edinburgh, and JoAnnis Buckler of Shelbyville; grandchildren, Cody Mohr and wife, Kylee, David Mohr and wife, Jessica, Mason Henderson, Carson Henderson, Troy Fortwengler and Amy Cain; great-grandchildren, Hayden, Cooper, Brooklyn, Ryder, Kinsley and Madeline; and several nieces and nephews. Geneva was preceded in death by her parents; infant daughter, Cynthia Lynn Henderson; and brothers, John L. Newton, Thomas H. Newton and Delano U. Newton. She graduated in 1954 from Waldron High School. Geneva was a member of Mount Pisgah Baptist Church, where she served diligently on the bereavement committee. She retired in 1985 from Western Electric in Indianapolis, with 12 years of service. Geneva loved her friends and family, and in turn was adorned by them, for being the kind, sweet, hard working woman we will always cherish and love. She was always willing to lend a hand, offer assistance and provide support. Family was very important to her, as she was always close to her siblings and in turn her children carry that trait with heartfelt gratitude. There were no “in-laws” in her family, they were part of “the family”. Holidays were very important to her and she made them special, whether it was Christmas, Thanksgiving or Easter. As her family continued to grow they would rent large cabins for Thanksgiving festivals for many years. The memories for her family are many and irreplaceable. Geneva loved Christmas because she was so good at giving. Geneva was a member of a euchre club for over 60 years. She also enjoyed her flower gardens. The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks and appreciation to “her girls”, caregivers-Stephanie, Vickie, Colleen, Hannah and Alexa. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, June 15, 2020, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 16, 2020, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Dr. Robb Barlow officiating. Interment will be at Norristown Cemetery in Shelby County. Memorial contributions may be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, 5005 LBJ Freeway, Suite 526, Dallas, Texas 75244, as Geneva was a Breast Cancer Survivor. Online condolences may be shared with Geneva’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.