The Brightness of Continues to Shine‌
September 16, 1930 - June 9, 2012
My Favorite Scripture‌ John 14: 1 - 4 (New King James Translation)
1 "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know."
S h i r l e y W. H e n c e September 16, 1930
– June 9, 2012
A Virtuous Woman
P r ove r b s : 3 1 : 1 0 - 3 0 (New Living Translation) 10
Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.11 Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. 14 She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls. 16 She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. 18 She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night. 19 Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber. 20 She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. 21 She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes. 22 She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns. 23 Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders. 24 She makes belted inen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. 26 When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. 27 She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. 28 Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: 29 “There are many virtuous and apable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised.
S h i r l e y W. H e n c e September 16, 1930
– June 9, 2012
Her Story A Life Well-Lived… On September 16, 1930, God called into existence, one delicate and exquisitely beautiful baby girl. And as written, she was fearfully and wonderfully made. Born to the late Mattie Hardy and Lionel Sylvester in New Orleans, LA, she was the eldest of two adorable girls.
As a child, Shirley was guided by the strong Christian character of her mother as well as her grandmother, Augustine Stovall. It was in her youth that she made up her mind and decided to give her life to Christ. She was educated in the Orleans Parish Public School System, attending Lee Station Elementary and Booker T. Washington High School. A statuesque and beautiful young woman, Shirley caught the eye of many a young suitor, but she met and married Herbert Keys, Sr., who would become the father of their (4) sons and (1) daughter. In 1962, Shirley met, fell in love with and married her soul mate, John W. Hence and that union gave credence God’s command to “Be fruitful and multiply.” And again her womb was blessed with (2) daughters, Karen and Lisa.
Shirley and JW became faithful members of the newly organized Mt. Kingdom Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Otha Simmons. She served as church secretary and a member of the choir, he was a deacon and member of the trustee board until his death. Shirley joined Vineyard Missionary Baptist Church where her mother and grandmother were faithful members but later returned to Mt. Kingdom where she served faithfully in many ministries until her death.
Shirley’s work life included various jobs such as waitressing in her mother’s restaurant and bar, orderly at Charity Hospital, cleaning at the Orleans Medical Society and privately taking care of several elderly and infirmed patients in hospitals and in their homes. After her marriage to JW, she became a homemaker devoting all of her time to raising her children, and cooking and traveling and shopping… all things she loved. God in His infinite wisdom allowed Shirley to exemplify His Son through her unselfish giving. She gave the most, sometimes receiving little, but the actions of others never broke her spirit. She understood the bible and therefore she lived it . A wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend, she was loved and admired by many. Her love was not in idle words of platitudes. Hers was a love expressed in action, Shirley was the embodiment of God’s word. Her love spoke the voice of Paul that “love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things, love never fails.” And she demonstrated this kind of love, not only for God, but to her family, church and community. Preceded in death by her parents, Mattie Hardy and Lionel Sylvester, her husband John W. Hence, (2) sons, Herbert, Jr. and Darryl Keys and (1) granddaughter, Laronda Keys, she leaves to cherish her fond memories (1) loving sister, Erald Johnson; (2) sons, Rodney (Sherelle) Keys of Houston, TX and Stanley Keys; (3) daughters, Loris Keys Ebanks, Karen Lynette and Lisa Michelle Hence; (11) grandchildren, Herbert Keys, III, Lazandra Breaux, Kenya Fortenberry, Eric Bernard, Tranisse, Ryan Keys and Andrew Keys, Dana and Antoine Keys, Jairan and Brandi Ebanks; (9) great-grandchildren, Herbert Keys, IV, Terronesha Goins, Keivia Brown, Ke’erra Williams, Heidi Wright, Jayce Williams, DaKari and RyLee Keys and Jaria Ebanks, (1) godson, Herman Myles, Jr., devoted cousins, Juanita and Herman Myles; close friends Ruthie Simmons and Cathryn Abrams; (3) grand-dogs, Frankie, Toi and Beaux, a “daughter-in-law for life,” as she called her, Sandra-Keys Williams; an adopted daughter Norma Rogers-Hulbert, and a host of very special nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, neighbors and friends.
S h i r l e y W. H e n c e S e p t e m b e r
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Celebration of Life Mt. Kingdom Missionary Baptist Church Officiant: Darrick R. Johnson, Pastor/Teacher 3756 Louisa Street * New Orleans, LA 70126 Friday, June 15, 2012 * 10:00 a.m.
Organ Prelude Processional Ministers & Family Scripture Readings Congregational Hymn: “Hold To God’s Unchanging Hand” Prayer Prayer Chant: “Let Jesus Fix it For You” Musical Tribute …………… “Her Most Requested & Favorite Songs” ……….... Mt. Kingdom Mass Choir Condolences from the Church ………………………………………………………………………..………………….. Deacon Reflections ……………..…….……… “As A Church Member” .…….……….... Sis. Marguerite Doyle-Johnston Solo……………………………………………..…..…….“Stand” ………………..…..………...………………... Pastor Jai Reed New Beginnings Christian Center Words of Encouragement……………………………………………………………………….………. Pastor Rickey Carter Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Lafayette, LA “A Life Well – Lived” …………………………………... “Her Story” ……………………………………………… Carol May Acknowledgements ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Solo………………………………………………..…………………………………….……………………………… Sis. Denon Smith City of Love Ministries “A Word from the Lord” …………………….……..…. Eulogy ………………..………….. Pastor Darrick R. Johnson Words of Comfort from Visiting Ministers (1 minute please) Benediction / Recessional Majestic Mortuary Services In Charge
Shirley W. Hence S e p t e m b e r
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Together Forever…
S h i r l e y W. H e n c e September 16, 1930
– June 9, 2012
Special Thanks Lisa Robinson Miche’s Fashions Sheriff Marlin Gusman Mt. Kingdom Missionary Baptist Church Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church
S h i r l e y W. H e n c e September 16, 1930
– June 9, 2012
I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU… Grandma Shirley, I will always remember you for the love you showed me was genuine and true I will always remember how you could brighten a dark day always eager to help in your own special way thanks for the encouraging words you gave to me I will always remember you Your Daughter-in-law Forever
Sandra Keys-Williams S h i r l e y W. H e n c e September 16, 1930
– June 9, 2012
With Gratitude & Love We wish to express our appreciation for all of the sincere acts of love and kindness shared with us. Please know that it is only because of God’s grace and mercy and the support of our family and friends that we were able to make it to and through this day. Sincerely, Rodney, Stanley, Loris, Karen and Lisa
S h i r l e y W. H e n c e September 16, 1930
– June 9, 2012
The Cross In My Pocket I carry a cross in my pocket A simple reminder to me Of the fact that I am a Christian No matter where I may be This little cross is not magic Nor is it a good luck charm It isn’t meant to protect me From every physical harm It’s not for identification For all the world to see It’s simply an understanding Between my savior and me When I put my hand in my pocket To bring out a coin or a key The cross is there to remind me Of the price He paid for me It reminds me, too, to be thankful For my blessings day by day And to strive to serve Him better In all I do and say It’s also a daily reminder Of the peace and comfort I share With all who know my Master And give themselves to His care So, I carry a cross in my pocket Reminding no one but me That Jesus Christ is Lord of my life If only I’ll let Him be
S h i r l e y W. H e n c e September 16, 1930
– June 9, 2012
ActivePallbearers
Jairan Ebanks Ryan Keys Antoine Keys Andrew Dace Keys Eric Bernard Patrick Johnson Herman Myles, Jr.
Honorary Pallbearers
Rodney Keys Stanley Antoine Keys Herbert Keys, III Charlie Johnson Herman Myles, Sr.
S h i r l e y W. H e n c e September 16, 1930
– June 9, 2012
Arrangements Majestic Mortuary Services 1833 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. * New Orleans, Louisiana 70113
Internment Resthaven Memorial Park 10400 Old Gentilly Road New Orleans, Louisiana 70127
Repast Mt. Kingdom Baptist Church Fellowship Hall 3756 Louisa Street New Orleans, Louisiana 70126 S h i r l e y W. H e n c e September 16, 1930
– June 9, 2012