Shirlyan Caroline Henderson

Shirlyan Caroline Wilkinson Henderson was born October 31, 1941 in Norwich, Norfolk, England to George and Hilda Victoria Wilkinson (both deceased). She passed peacefully in her sleep on August 11, 2021 while living with her son in Colbert, Georgia, United States.
Shirlyan leaves behind a son, Robbie Henderson, PhD., only grandchild, Sarah Henderson, and daughter-in-law, Rebecca Henderson. Her husband Lanny and son Craig preceded her in death.
Shirlyan was one of eleven children. Her brothers and sisters from oldest to youngest: Bob (deceased), Ivy, John, Molly (deceased), Barry, Geoff (deceased), Victoria, Suzanne, Glen, and Melvyn (deceased). She has family all over the globe, from England to Norway to Australia, and the United States. She came from a large family and had many nieces and nephews.
Shirlyan grew up during World War II in Norwich, where she and her family were able to avoid being bombed by hiding under a staircase at their home. She went to Cavell Primary School and Lakenham Secondary School and graduated from Norwich Modern School. From there, she worked in a shoe factory.
She met her husband Lanny, United States Air Force, in a pub in Norwich. They married in France, and she followed him everywhere the U.S. Air Force took him. They got to travel the world. She always lived life to the fullest.
While stationed in Wichita, Kansas, Lanny and Shirlyan had their first son, Robbie Lynn. He grew up in parts of England and the United States: Texas, South Carolina, and Georgia. They had their second son, Craig Lee, in England, a few years later.
Lanny retired from the Air Force in 1979 and they ended up in Valdosta, Georgia. Shirlyan managed multiple Payless Shoe stores in Valdosta, where she was very well known and loved. She loved to sing and worked as a DJ and karaoke at China Garden and other locations. Another passion of hers was art, and she taught calligraphy and passed on her artistic talents to her son, Craig. She also won many awards bowling.
The boys grew up in Valdosta, and both graduated from Valdosta State University (College). Robbie pursued an academic career at the University of Georgia, and Craig continued with his artistic abilities in Valdosta.
Shirlyan was such a lively spirit and touched the lives of so many people. Her quick wit and charm captivated everyone around her. She was always the life of the party and always made people smile. She lived a fulfilling life and made many friends. She will certainly be missed.
In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in her name to a charity of your choice. An online celebration of life will be planned for a future time. May she rest in peace.
Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens is in charge of arrangement. www.lordandstephens.com.