Linda Ruth (Shipp) Henson, age 75, of Ellijay, GA, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, October 13, 2024 after a decade long courageous battle with cancer. Through her cancer journey, she taught those around her what it looks like to live bravely and always with joy and a smile. She was known for her trademark spunk, even until the end. Linda will forever be a bright, guiding light to her family and loved ones. To her many Doctors and caregivers, Linda was known as the comeback kid. About that fame, Linda would say that was something you do not want to be famous for, but that she met some of the most incredible people through her cancer journey. She thrived for a decade past her diagnosis, defying the odds. She battled through numerous surgeries, procedures, and treatments. Medically, she should not have been walking and talking, living the best life she could for those additional years. She was a fighter and all who knew her will attest that is something she was always up for... a good fight. Even in her most difficult challenges she was always taking care of others first, especially her Mike.

Born in Atlanta, GA on March 10, 1949, she was the daughter of the late Joseph L. and Mary E. (Wofford) Shipp. On February 19, 1967, Linda married Michael H. Henson. Together, they moved several times looking for work and to provide for their family. She worked in various jobs as a waitress, seamstress, and general laborer over the years. She was a hard worker and was always putting in the extra effort to take care of her family. Linda was the quintessential sports mom and creator of many magical moments for her family and especially her children: David, Denise, Doug, and Avery. She devoted countless hours supporting her children with their education, providing advice on personal situations, and through their countless hobbies. Linda never missed a football game, wrestling match, or baseball game for her children. She was a devoted sports mom and fan. She was always available to discuss and breakdown the plays from any recent game of any contest and the calls that did not go our way. She was always the loudest in the crowd.

Linda was always willing to lend an ear to any family member or friend to provide advice or discuss a problem. She was a talker. She had an unwavering sense of purpose and was never afraid to tell, even her children, when they needed direction or was going opposite of where she felt they should be heading. She was a straightforward person with a huge heart. She was always willing to open her home and was mom to anyone who needed a loving place to come and even those who didn't.

Linda was well known by family and friends for her skilled cooking and always being over-prepared with too much food for guests. She learned to cook at a very young age from her mother and grandmother. Most of all, family came first for Linda. She is preceded in death by her parents and sister Yvonne Hendrix. Linda is survived by her loving husband, Michael Henson; children, David (Dana) Henson, Denise Henson, Doug (Mary) Henson and Avery Henson; and grandchildren, Kirstie Henson, Savannah Henson, Laney Henson, Kainan Henson; brother Danny Shipp and sister June Hansard; many nieces and nephews. Linda relished in any opportunity to spoil her loved ones and especially loved doting on her grandchildren.

A time of sharing and celebration of life was held from the Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Blue Ridge on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services were held on Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. from the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Mineral Bluff, Georgia with Rev. Dusty Lacy and Rev. Max Curtis officiating. Music was provided by Seth and Kaitlyn Davis.  Interment followed in the church cemetery with the following gentlemen serving as pallbearers: Harold Hansard, Kenny Hendrix, Danny Shipp, Tommy Shipp, Chip Pittman, and Alan Henson.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinscobb.com

Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Blue Ridge is in charge of these arrangements.