Death is not the opposite of life, but part of it. It brings our family great jubilation to present the following obituary for Martha-Ruth Gibbs Henderson, having passed away Sunday morning at the golden age of 93. Mrs. Henderson was surrounded by members of her family and went peacefully to join her Lord, her father Jules, mother Lala, husband Raymon and daughter Phyllis. Martha-Ruth was born Aug. 8, 1927, in Berrien County, Ga., the only child of Jules and Lala Gibbs. The family moved to Jasper when she was young, so she would be able to attend school. Martha Ruth was smart, and all her friends and family knew it. While in school, she attracted the attention of a young man Raymon Henderson. They married in March of 1947 and spent the next 57 years raising a family together. "Nanny," as her family calls her, was resolute as much as she was funny, frugal as much as she loved a nice pair of shoes of simple taste and the meanest jello salad you would have ever eaten.
First and foremost, she was a caretaker to her aunts, uncles, parents, and six children. She had every skill imaginable as a woman with six children, and she empowered them to use their skills to make the most of their lives. Her favorite pastimes were exploring genealogy, studying the newspaper with her magnifying glass, reading a good book, photography, feeding stray cats in the neighborhood, being with her family and listening to the local emergency scanner. She was a lifelong member of The First Baptist Church of Jasper, Fla., although she had not been able to attend for some time. She spent years on the outreach and bereavement committee'. She is survived by five children: Clara Floyd (Charlie), Mary Kay Henderson, Frank Henderson (Penelope), Frances Goldberg (Rob) and Jeff Henderson (Shelby); 13 grandchildren; five Great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Martha Ruth had a special relationship with her grandson, Nicholas. She called him her "Go-for Personal Assistant." The family appreciates his selfless work and love as he sacrificed to enrich her life. Special gratitude also goes to her daughter in law Penelope, who was her primary caregiver this past 18 months. We also want to thank her extra granddaughter Anika Warner and her (Mama Cheryl) Cheryl Clayton for all the nanny sitting. We would also like to thank all the wonderful staff at Suwannee Valley Nursing Center, Haven Hospice of North Florida and the friends who kept up with Martha Ruth. Graveside services were held on Friday, Nov. 27, at Evergreen Cemetery in Jasper, Fla. with Charlie and Clara Floyd along with Rev. Roger Hutto delivering words of comfort. Memorial contributions may be made to Haven Hospice, 6037 West U.S. Hwy 90, Lake City, Fla. 32055. Harry T. Reid Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
