Susan Shuman Henderson's Obituary
Susan was born on Flag Day (June 14) in 1940 to Sam and Fay Hood Shuman. From her roots in Texarkana, Texas, she grew and embraced her role as mother and grandmother with loyalty and love.to the family she built and nurtured with her favorite Razorback, husband Paul (Red) Henderson.
After graduation from Texarkana High School, she attended college in Columbia, Missouri completing her degree in Fashion Design at Stephens College. The next college was the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. Business school classes did not hold her interest, so she was off to Dallas to begin her career in fashion. Cut short in this quest, she and Paul married in 1962.
Daughters Tracy and Tori took Susan's attention while Paul served in the military for eight years. Susan was the anchor at home while he served in both Vietnam and Korea. As Paul began his work career in technology, they moved the family across Arkansas and eventually settled in Dallas.
While Susan was quieter than her robust husband, her presence was deeply felt in and outside the home. Her years volunteering with the Junior League at the Dallas Planetarium fueled a new passion for astronomy and she remained a keen observer of national politics. However, it was in the arena of Razorback sports where her intellect truly shone; known as the family "Google," Susan could recall players, coaches, and playing years with startling accuracy.
As a housewife and mother, she was devoted to her daughters, Tracy and Tori. Susan was a constant presence in their lives, serving as a Girl Scout leader and Room Parent, and famously sewing their clothes—from everyday outfits to custom formal gowns designed from magazine clippings. In later years, she embraced her role as "Momma Sue" to her grandson, Austin, teaching him to garden, building Thomas the Train villages, and cheering at his hockey games online.
Susan was a friend for life, maintaining bonds that stretched back to the first grade. She expressed her love through the lost art of connection: thoughtful phone calls, beautifully wrapped gifts, hand-written thank-you notes, and her legendary Christmas cards featuring personalized letters. Whether it was her oldest friend or the hospice caregivers she befriended in her final years, Susan made everyone feel seen and cherished.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Paul (Red) Henderson. She is survived by her daughters, Tracy Henderson of Austin, TX and Tori Lambert and her husband Wilson of Dallas, TX; one grandson, Austin Lambert of State College, Pennsylvania; her sister, Emaly Shuman Green and her husband Gerald of Austin, TX; and a large, loving network of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
In accordance with her wishes, no formal service will be held. Susan asked that those who knew her simply hold onto a special memory of their time together. Those wishing to honor her legacy may make a donation to a charity of their choice.
Susan will be greatly missed, but her spirit—and perhaps a few bits of Razorback trivia—will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.
What’s your fondest memory of Susan?
What’s a lesson you learned from Susan?
Share a story where Susan's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Susan you’ll never forget.
How did Susan make you smile?