Nellie Louise (Shannon) Henry

"True love is eternal, infinite, and always like itself. It is equal and pure, without violent demonstrations: it is seen with white hairs and is always young in the heart." -Honore de Balzac Nellie Louise (Shannon) Henry, 91, Ridgeley, W. Va. died Dec. 21 in Springfield, Mo. where she was recuperating from a fall. She took her final journey, in speed and efficiency, to reunite with her one true love. Born Jan. 8, 1928, to Elizabeth (Bean) and James Shannon in Frostburg, Md., Nellie was the second of four children. Her siblings, James Shannon, Virginia Lee Bransom and Ruth Ann Blauch, preceded her in death. She graduated from Ridgeley High School in 1945 and married her high-school sweetheart Alvin Lee Henry in 1947. The couple welcomed their only child in 1949. They were married 71 years until his death Jan. 3, 2018. Nellie devoted her entire life to her family sacrificing her time and her wants for them. She kept a vigorous schedule until a few months ago, rising before dawn and tackling the housekeeping chores like she had always done. She was an avid reader, loved Hollywood movies, and had a quick wit, a wicked sense of humor and a formidable poker face that served her well during the many penny-ante poker games at her home with family and friends. She loved games of chance and spent many mini-vacations with Al in Atlantic City. And, the day before she died she rolled a double Yahtzee, scoring well over 400. She is survived by her daughter, Donna Marie Osborn, Springfield, Mo.; three grandchildren, Jeffrey Osborn, Cabot, Ark. Will Osborn, Springfield, and Elizabeth Lewis, Nixa, Mo.; five great-grandchildren, Gabrielle, Jackson and Emma Osborn, Cabot, Finley and Ronin Lewis, Nixa; a special niece, Twila Kenney, Fort Ashby, W. Va., and a special nephew, Dale Ault, Ridgeley. Visitation will be at Upchurch Funeral Home, Cumberland, Maryland, Dec. 28 at 11 a.m. Services will follow at noon with the Rev. Richard Jewell officiating. Interment will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park immediately afterward. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.