San Angeloans Pull Together in Memory of Ashley Henry

Ashley Henry, beloved mother of three, wife of Jimmy Henry and inspirational teacher for many kids who went through Glenn Middle School in San Angelo, passed away at the beginning of the year.

Henry fought breast cancer for almost four years before the disease took her life, leaving a hole in her husband and three boys’ lives.

But family, friends and San Angelo wouldn’t let them slip through the cracks.

“I’m just impressed with the outpouring of the community, it’s just an awesome community and great people,” said Landon Alls, best friend and virtual brother of Jimmy Henry. “It’s amazing how many people don’t even know you and will give to total strangers.”

Jimmy Henry agreed with Alls, and said that he was just in awe of the treatment he and his boys have received.

“She taught at Glenn, I taught at Edison, we moved off a couple different places and came back,” he explained. “It’s been one of those deals like we never left.”

Henry mentioned that his wife’s coworkers, college mates and even students came to her service and friended him on Facebook.

“Her principal attended her service,” Henry said in amazement. “She touched so many people’s lives it's unbelievable.”

Joi Alls, wife of Landon Alls, got family and friends of the Henry Family to put together the brisket luncheon fundraiser, as well as set up the Ashley Henry Memorial Fund.

“At this point we’re trying to make sure that Jimmy and the boys can live the way she wanted them to,” she said. ‘We’re just hoping to help Jimmy pay the medical expenses and hopefully maybe even start a college fund for the boys.”

The luncheon and dance were held at the San Angelo VFW building on 125. Browning St. Saturday.

“Vangie and Wayne McShan (post commander) really helped us out,” said Alls.

The Alls family wants Cade, Wyatt and Trey, ages 10, eight and six respectively, to enjoy their childhood and for life to allow the ‘boys to be boys.’

Adding to the benefit was Leon Mireles, another best friend of Jimmy Henry, who organized the dance after the brisket luncheon.

Mireles booked Leon Y Los Cruizers, Thoze Guyz and Conjunto Mi Gusto at the last minute to add to the celebration of Ashley Henry’s life, as well as add to the memorial fund.

“Our parents were friends, we grew up in the same town (Hermleigh),” said Mireles, “Jimmy and his family are deserving, they are great people.”

“Ashley left a lasting mark on everyone's life and we will never forget her,” said Joi Alls with a tear in her eye.

So far they have raised about $4,431 for the Henry family. Information about future fundraisers and places to donate can be found at https://www.facebook.com/Ashleyhenrymemorial?fref=ts