Eleanor Jane Henson

Eleanor Jane (Shuler) Henson peacefully completed her earthly journey on Thursday, 17 September 2026, spending her final days at home surrounded by family and Galen Ray Henson, her beloved husband of 69 years. Her 87 years of faithful discipleship leave a profound legacy of love, service, and a deep desire to make the world a better place.

Born in her parents’ home in Flora, Illinois, on January 19, 1939, to Johnny Everett Shuler and Esther Mae Deain, Jane—as everyone affectionately knew her—started her remarkable life. As an only child, she quickly learned the importance of a strong work ethic and a compassionate heart for others. From a young age, she also showed a wonderfully playful and spirited side; she was famous for being the best football punter, always outkicking the neighborhood boys, and possessing a sharp eye that won her plenty of turkey shoots. That same hard work shone through in her academics as the 1957 salutatorian at Flora Township High School, and later, as she gracefully balanced raising a young family while earning her bachelor’s degree in education from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.

Jane served her community as a dedicated teacher and an ordained minister in Community of Christ, always acting as an instrument of divine love and acceptance. She taught in several high schools and business schools before eventually stepping away from full-time work to travel and serve others. Whether exploring with Galen, Stassi, Ty, or friends, Jane delighted in experiencing new cultures, meeting people, and—charmingly—visiting grocery stores around the globe. In a category all its own was her self-confessed, insatiable sweet tooth, which kept her always on the lookout for the world’s best sweets. A woman of many talents, she played the piano, sang soprano, and possessed a lifelong love of music that brought continuous joy to her life and home.

Jane took immense joy in her children, Stassi D. (Henson) Cramm and Ty K. Henson, and their spouses, Steve and Mary. Grandma Jane enthusiastically cheered on her six grandchildren—Shannon Cramm (1989), Spencer Cramm (1991), Donovan Henson (1994), Cody Henson (1997), Braden Henson (2001), and Asher Henson (2003)—through basement fun, soccer games, and everything in between. Because she lived close to the Henson grandkids, she was deeply integrated into their daily lives, happily serving as a taxicab driver, cheerleader, homework tutor, faith mentor, and so much more.

For the Cramm grandkids, GMa Jane, as Spencer loved to call her, found a way to bridge the distance by making lots of trips to see them or keeping the kids when the Cramms were traveling for work. She also shares a special namesake connection with Shannon, whose middle name, Lenore, is a spinoff of Jane’s given first name, Eleanor. In later years, Jane treasured her role as "GiGi" to her three great-grandchildren: twins Sydney and Sullivan (2022), and Samuel (2024), who were born to Shannon and her husband Kevin Murray.

Jane’s love knew no bounds, extending far beyond bloodlines to a wide circle of adopted family. Lifelong friends, prior students, extended family connections created through marriages, church family, and neighbors alike found a comforting refuge in her presence, loving her just as much as they were loved by her. Her legacy in the world extends far and wide, carried forward by all those who were forever changed through her unwavering love and support.

Her spiritual strength was rooted in a lifetime of faith, beginning at the Christian church in Flora and continuing in Community of Christ. Jane’s legacy remains a living testimony of God’s grace and enduring love for all creation.

The family will hold a private celebration and Jane’s ashes will be placed with her parents in Flora, Illinois to complete Jane’s circle of life. True to her generous spirit, Jane requested to be remembered through acts of kindness rather than flowers. For those wanting to share, consider making a donation to Community of Christ World Wide Mission Tithes or The BJC Foundation for Hospice.