April 12, 2014

Ruby Evelyn Henry, a long-time resident of Nicholson and Picayune, entered the gates of heaven, surrounded by her family, on Saturday, April 12, 2014, at the age of 83.

Born August 7, 1930, in Derma, MS, Evelyn graduated from Derma High School in 1948.  In 1952, she was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from Mississippi State College for Women in Columbus.

Evelyn was a well-loved home economics teacher for the next 40 years.  She retired from teaching at Pearl River Junior High School in 1992.

After retirement, Evelyn enjoyed bowling and traveling with friends and family while she was physically able.  As a talented seamstress, she took pleasure in sewing for family, friends and those in need. Her hobbies also included puzzling, reading and playing games, of which “Qwirkle” became her favorite. She was a fan of Mississippi State football, enjoyed staying active in the kitchen and loved spending time with her family. She was a loving daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt.

Evelyn will be remembered for her joy of teaching others in the classroom and beyond, also, for her generosity and love of God and family. She leaves behind many friends and family members who will dearly miss her love and companionship.

She is preceded in death by her parents, William Cody Shewmake Sr. and Sarah Urania Hardin Shewmake, her son, Howard Cliff Henry, and her brother, William Cody “Billy” Shewmake Jr.

Left to cherish her memories are her children, James Keith Henry and wife Vivian, Deborah Lynn Fulton and husband Kris, Brenda Ann Randall and husband Phil, and Kemberly Kay Higginbotham and husband Roy, sister Sarah Jane Holland, 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 17, 2014 at First Baptist Church in Nicholson at 6:00 PM with visitation beginning at 5:00 PM. A private family burial will be at New Palestine cemetery at a later time. Arrangements have been made with the assistance of McDonald Funeral Home.

The family prefers memorials to Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Church Street Station, P.O. Box 780, New York, NY 10008.