A celebration of life service for Michelle Ironside Henry will be held this Saturday, Jan. 6, at Fellowship Church Knoxville, 8000 Middlebrook Pike, from 2-3 p.m. A reception with the family will follow from 3-5 p.m.
The service, which will be officiated by Dr. David Crutchley and Henry’s brother, Kevin Ironside, will feature a video and photo tribute to Henry, special musical selections, a quartet from the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and singer Laurel Wright. Henry died peacefully at home Dec. 27, after an eight-year battle with Stage 4 colon cancer.
She authored a book, “My Anchor Holds,” which chronicled her journey of faith and hope while fighting cancer. She also published a lighthearted humor book, “The Fashion Police Handbook.”
In 2017, Henry received the YWCA Spirit Award and earned a standing ovation when she walked on stage during the YWCA’s Tribute to Women last September. In 2015, she was the American Cancer Society’s Hope Gala honoree and spoke at the event with her trademark sense of humor. Henry enjoyed all people and was an inspiration to many, especially those who were struggling physically or spiritually.
Henry loved being with her colleagues at Moxley Carmichael so much that when she was told she could write from home when her breathing became difficult, she insisted on going to the office. Moxley Carmichael accommodated her mobility needs with a wheelchair, and she was escorted around the building, as Henry said, “like a queen” by Shaun Fulco and Amy Barger. She also loved the women of the Executive Women’s Association and had tremendous respect for their career accomplishments.
She was preceded in death by sister Thais Ironside and father David Ironside. Henry is survived by: husband of 34 years, Guy David Henry III; son Drew Henry, daughter-in-law Samantha and grandson Jack of Clarksville, Tennessee; son Evan Henry; mother Barbara Ironside; brother Kevin and sister-in-law Pamela Ironside; brother Phillip and sister-in-law Tashia; and sister Kristen and brother-in-law Tommy Vandergriff. She also is survived by nieces and nephews Christian Ironside, Blake Ironside, Addison Ironside, Collin Ironside, Asiimwe Ironside, Mugisha Ironside, Kaijuka Ironside, Elijah Ironside, Tejah Ironside, Parker Gentry and Lindsey and Lauren Vandergriff. She loved her uncles and especially cousin Tracy Satterfield and aunt Charlene Barnes.
The family extended thanks to the nurses at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center and the Covenant Health hospice nurses for their care and kindness.
Memorial donations may be sent to Clarksville Young Life, P.O. Box 462, Clarksville, TN, 37041, where Samantha Henry serves as a leader.