Viola Shipman Henson, 91, of Webster, Illinois passed away 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at The Elms in Macomb, Illinois.

She was born April 25, 1933 in Joetta, Illinois, the daughter of Fred and Alma (Martin) Shipman. She was first married to Harmon McConnell. On November 26, 1987 she married Don Henson in Webster. He preceded her in death on March 14, 2005.

Viola was a lifelong member of the Webster Community Church where she taught Sunday School and Bible School. She and her sister, Carlene, traveled and sang while their father and Ernest Louderman preached in many rural communities. She and her sister also sang at many funerals and weddings. She loved listening to gospel singers. Her greatest pleasure was spending time with her family. Viola was a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals.

She is survived by four children, Fred (Pat) McConnell of Alabama, Terry (Brenda) McConnell of Colchester, Illinois, Elaine (Ed) Hanks of Burnside, Illinois, and Rodney (Heike) McConnell, two step-children, Linda Heard of Oklahoma and Jamie (Sydney) Henson, 6 grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, along with several great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Also surviving are one sister, Carlene Scheuerman of Webster and four brothers, Charles (Ruth) Shipman of Colorado, Darrell (Jo) Shipman of Texas, Bill Shipman of Webster and Duane (Joan) Shipman also of Webster.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, one daughter, Kathryn McConnell, one sister, Rosa Elaine Shipman, one step-son, Danny Henson and one brother, Gene Shipman.

Visitation will be held Monday, July 22, 2024 at the Webster Community Church from 9:30a.m. until time of services at 11:00a.m. Her son, Terry, will officiate along with Pastor Ted Burnfield. Burial will follow in the Webster Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established for The Elms or the Webster Community Church. Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe is assisting with arrangements. To leave a condolence, please visit Viola's obituary at banksandbeals.com