Shirley Lee Steward

Shirley Lee Steward, daughter of the late Warren Harding and Mollie Pauline (Shipman) Henson, was born in Auglaize, Camden County, Missouri, on December 15, 1948. She grew up in and around the Richland area never leaving the small community she loved. She met and dated a handsome soldier, Delmar Edward Steward. It was love at first sight and soon the happy couple wed on February 22, 1964, on the steps of the Methodist Church of Richland. God blessed Shirley and Delmar with two beautiful children, Edward Lee and Connie Faye. Their happy home was filled with love, laughter, and a few tears along the way. Shirley was so very proud and totally devoted to her family, taking great care of everyone and everything. Shirley also worked outside her home and began a long career at H.D. Lee in Richland until it’s closing; later she began working at Evans Grocery Store as produce manager. Her customers always appreciated the special care and attention she gave to every detail in her department. Shirley loved serving and caring for her friends and neighbors of her community. She looked forward to seeing and chatting with everyone she met. Shirley made a profession of faith and followed in baptism on May 21, 1976. She was a faithful member of Grace Baptist Church in Richland. For many years she greatly enjoyed helping in the kitchen ministry and other ministries at the church. She always appreciated the love and prayers from her church family and they loved her dearly. Shirley was an awesome homemaker and kept an immaculate home paying special attention to every detail. She was an excellent cook and was best known for her chocolate chip, oatmeal, and peanut butter cookies, cakes, homemade rolls, soups, and sandwiches just to name a few. Shirley loved surprising someone she loved with a special treat made with a lot of love! She would start her day with a cup of coffee and God, reading her Bible and devotionals. Shirley had several phone buddies that she called just to check in on and see how their day was going…she was one of the most thoughtful and caring people you could ever be blessed to have known. Shirley dearly loved her family and times spent with each one were precious. Shirley longed to go home to Heaven, and the Lord heard her prayers. On the sunny afternoon of Thursday, April 2, 2026, with her loving daughter by her side, Shirley peacefully left her earthly home, having attained the age of 77. Her beloved husband, Delmar, son, Eddie, and other family members stood ready to greet her with hug and a smile welcoming her into her heavenly home. She is preceded in death by her parents, Warren and Mollie Henson, beloved husband, Delmar, son, Eddie, one sister, Barb Messer, two brothers, infant William Henson, and John David Henson; three brothers-in-law, Bob Shell, Jim Hughes, and Butch Wilson; and her precious little dog Sweet Pea. Shirley leaves behind to cherish her memory, her devoted daughter, Connie Becker (C.J.) of Richland, MO; three grandchildren, Amanda Becker-Nguyen (Mary) of Vero Beach, FL, Justin Becker (Renee) of Springfield, MO, and Wade Steward (Billie) of Richland, MO, 6 great-grandchildren, Landon Curtis Dwight Becker, Cayden Lynn Becker, Summitt Becklee Nguyen, Deaton Wade Steward, Loch Thorton Cecil Becker, Gryffin Jeffery Delmar Becker; her siblings, Millie Shell of Richland, MO, Rhonda Hughes of Richland, MO, Claudene Wilson of Swedeborg, MO, Melvin Henson of St. Louis, MO, Donnie Henson (Maxine) of Richland, MO; her forever daughter-in-law, Theresa Turner Stafford; and a host of other relatives and friends. Our hearts are heavy with the loss of such a beautiful lady. However, she longed to see “her boys” again and to be with the Lord she loved and served. Shirley was spunky, ornery, fun, passionate, kind, loving, generous, and just a joy to be around. Her smile and laughter will be missed until we see her again. Services were held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, April 6, 2026, with Pastor Tre Shaw officiating. Donnie Henson opened with prayer and shared some thoughts of his sister, Shirely. Connie Becker paid tribute to her mother with a lifetime of wonderful memories and stories during her touching eulogy. Special songs included, “In The Garden,” – Anne Murray, “Can You Hear Me From Heaven,” – Riley Roth, “Where Her Heart Has Always Been,” – Alan Jackson, “Just A Little Talk With Jesus,” – Creek Water-Flows, “How’s Mamma Up There,” – Creek Water-Flows, “Go Rest High On That Mountain” – Vince Gill, Allison Kraus, and Ricky Skaggs. Serving as escorts were Justin Becker, Wade Sterard, Landon Becker, Cayden Becker, A.J. Hendrix, and Rich Homan. Honorary escorts Rick Messer, Dennis Ogle, Mark Gammons, Boyd Hendrix, Jeremy Henson, and Richard Steward. Burial followed in the Oaklawn Cemetery of Richland. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Shirley Lee (Henson) Steward and may be left at the Memorial Chapel of Richland. Online condolences may be left at www.memorialchapelsandcrematory.com

Shirley Lee Steward

December 15, 1948 - April 2, 2026