Sharon Dexter Henson, age 76, entered the gates of Heaven on March 29, 2021 after having lost her hard battle with cancer.
She is survived by her two children, Rodney Henson and Wife Susu of York, AL ; Shannon Henson Morris and husband Mike Mathews of Prosper, TX; three grandchildren, Hailey Henson Brown and husband Jonathan of Canton, MS; Caleb Henson of Meridian, MS; Gabbie Morris of Dallas, TX; one great grandchild, Miles Brown of Canton, MS; her sister, Joyce Woodard and husband Bobby of Anniston, AL; her loving nephews, nieces and their children; her “sister cousins” and many many special friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Reverend Douglas Dexter and Florene Bell Dexter; sisters Gaile Brown and Betty Pickens.
Sharon was born on August 4, 1944 in Detroit, MI. She lived there until her father was called to ministry in 1951 when the family moved to Arkansas and began a life faithfully serving God and spreading His word. Sharon discovered at a very young age her own calling to minister. Her mother would tell the story of how she would hear Sharon preaching God’s word and sharing her testimony at a very young age to her little friends and I am sure anyone who would listen. Her mother’s face would light up every time she shared this story.
The family moved to Falkville, AL in 1960 where Sharon’s father preached at Lebanon Baptist Church. Sharon graduated from Falkville High School as salutatorian in 1962. She graduated from the University of West Alabama Nursing School in 1981 and began what would be an amazing career in healthcare. She went on to receive her Master of Science in Nursing from The University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1994. In 2002, she received the Nurse Distinguished Alumni Award as well. In 2010, Sharon received her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. Sharon was an advocate of higher education and considered her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree one of her greatest accomplishments.
Sharon had a long career with Rush Health Systems beginning in 1995 and practiced in several areas within the system. Although, her heart was truly at the Rush Medical Group clinic in Livingston, AL. Sharon tirelessly cared for so many patients in this community and loved every one of them dearly. She always had an ear to listen and a loving hand to help in healing. Her wealth of knowledge and amazing bedside manner made a vital impact on the wellness of the community.
Sharon’s family and her faith were most important to her. She would do anything for her two children and grandchildren and loved all of them more than anything. There was not a volleyball game, cheerleading competition or dance recital that she would miss if she could possibly get to it. She had a very special bond with each of them and shared something special with them all. She shared the love of healthcare with her son and was so proud when he followed in her footsteps and became a nurse. Both Sharon and her daughter were University of Alabama alumni and you could often hear them both screaming “Roll Tide” at any University of Alabama sporting event. Her children and grandchildren were truly her entire world and she loved them fiercely. She also loved spending time with her sisters and her “sister cousins”. She loved all the many adventures they all had in recent years.
Sharon’s love of God and ability to witness and spread God’s word was paramount. She led so many to Christ including her daughter. She had a special way of teaching God’s word and assuring all who knew her that strong faith, prayer and trusting God’s plan will move mountains in life. She leaned heavily on her faith and prayer throughout her entire life. She adored her church family at Valleyview Baptist Church and loved getting together with her friends she had made there, especially her good friends Katie and Ray. All of them were truly an extended family to her. Sharon always said she wanted to meet Jesus first when she got to Heaven. She is surely rejoicing with our Heavenly Father free of pain and illness with all of her family.
Visitation is scheduled for Friday, April 9, 2021 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Meadowview Baptist Church in Starkville, MS, with the funeral service immediately following.
