Dates
On October 1, 2021, Gloria June Henshaw Burleson, of San Angelo, joyfully went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ after a lengthy but courageous illness. She was 93.
Gloria was born in Smackover, Arkansas on May 15, 1928 to Langford William Henshaw and Laura Belle Baggett Henshaw. Gloria grew up in Kilgore, Texas during the Great Depression and WWII. She delighted in a childhood of independence, simple pleasures, and a healthy dose of adventure. From swinging from vines over the Quachita River to roaming the countryside in search of wild berries for pies, Gloria was always up for an exciting excursion and she carried this sense of adventure with her throughout her life. To celebrate her 78th birthday, she went skydiving. At 79, she served on her final mission trip, this one to China. At 80, after her family lovingly prevailed on her not to skydive again, she announced—with a twinkle in her eye—that she would honor the occasion with a ride in a fixed wing glider.
Gloria accepted Christ at age 13 during a lake encampment. This experience profoundly changed her: she remained a faithful Believer and devoted student of God’s word for her entire life. She graduated from Kilgore High School at 17 as a class favorite, being voted Best Citizen. This was a fitting accolade for Gloria, as she remained a devoted American Patriot for her entire life. She attended Kilgore Junior College before earning her degree from North Texas State University at 20. She was a Major in the WROTC and was proud to be a groundbreaking member of the now world-famous high-kicking Kilgore Rangerettes.
After graduating from North Texas State, she landed her first teaching job at Eldorado High School in Eldorado, Texas, and married Billy Green of Eldorado in 1950. After her two sons, Bill and Tom, were born, the family moved to Sonora where she was a mother, homemaker and a substitute teacher. In 1967, following a divorce, she moved to San Angelo to re-launch her teaching career as a Sophomore English teacher at Central High School. In1970, she married Sidney Jean (S.J., Jean) Burleson. They enjoyed 16 years of love and companionship until Jean’s passing in 1986. Gloria taught at Central for 26 years. Many of her former students remained in touch with her until her final days, a true testament to her devotion and service to others.
Gloria loved learning and books, and read daily until her passing. From classic English literature to modern theology, she read widely and passionately, eagerly exploring a wide range of subjects and authors.
She was an admirable optimist with a quick sense of humor. She seemed to always find a “silver lining” around every storm cloud—including her illness—and navigated life’s most difficult seasons with faith, humor, and a generous heaping of wit. She found opportunities to seek joy, practice gratitude, and celebrate the everyday, even amongst life’s trials and tribulations. She taught courage and strength, and above all, faith and love. We celebrate her new heavenly life all the while knowing our earthly lives are a little bit dimmer without her radiant light in them.
Survivors include: son David William (Bill) Green and wife Debbie Ray Green of San Antonio; son Thomas Franklin (Tom) Green, and wife Heidi Hooper Green, of Austin; ; 5 grandchildren, Cassie Green Woodliff, Jerrad Ray Green, Tyler Lee Green; Meagan Green Labunski, and Thomas Evan (Evan) Green; 7 “little darlings” great-grandchildren, Nathan Woodliff, Noah Green, Dolly Green, Lily Labunski, Jack Labunski, Henry Labunski, and Abigail Green. Gloria is also survived by 17 nieces and nephews and some wonderfully dear and loyal friends.
Gloria is preceded in passing by her husband Sidney Jean Burleson, parents Langford and Laura Belle Henshaw, sister Joan Anne Henshaw Warkentin, and brother Langford William (Buddy) Henshaw, Jr.
The family invites those who knew Gloria to share memories of her on the Harper’s website so that those memories can be shared in celebrations of her life.
Services will be held at Harper’s Funeral Home chapel in San Angelo on October 16, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation at Harper’s will be from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. on October 15 and from 10:30 to 11:00 preceding the service on October 16. Interment will follow at Fairmount Cemetery.
Gloria asks donations go to the West Texas Boys’ Ranch, the Trinity Fellowship Church or the First Baptist Church, both of San Angelo, or the church or charity of your choice.
The family wishes to express its sincere gratitude to Visiting Angels, her long-term caregiver Norma, her additional recent caregiver Sylvia, and San Gabriel’s Hospice.
Visitation
Friday, October 15, 2021
6:00PM - 7:00PM
Harper Funeral Home
2606 Southland Boulevard
San Angelo, TX 76904
Funeral Service
Saturday, October 16, 2021
11:00AM
Harper Funeral Home
2606 Southland Boulevard
San Angelo, TX 76904
Final Resting Place
Fairmount Cemetery
1120 W. Ave. N
San Angelo, TX 76901