Shirley Jean Canty Hendrith, 74, of Palatka, peacefully entered Heaven's gates on Sunday, June 19, 2016 at her residence. The daughter of Tony and Helen Colson Sheppard, she was born on Thursday, April 30, 1942 in Carraway, FL. At an early age, she was baptized at Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the Reverend James A. Wright. She was educated in the Putnam County School District and a 1960 graduate of Central Academy High School. In the mid 1960's, she united in marriage to Roosevelt Canty, Sr., and they became proud parents. Subsequently, Shirley launched her career as a presser at the One Hour Martinizing Dry Cleaners in Downtown Palatka and successively at Rip's Cleaners on Crill Avenue for a collective total of 48 years of dedicated employment. In the early 1970's, Shirley united in marriage to James Hendrith, Sr., for 25 years they enjoyed their children and grandchildren until his demise in 2011. She was a loyal, longtime member of the Palatka Church of God by Faith, serving under the pastoral leadership of Elder N.R. Burney, Sr. and Elder Phillip Thomas, Sr. She joyfully served on the church's Cooking Ministry and sang in the Daughters of Zion Choir. She took great pride in preparing delicious meals for her pastor and countless others in the community. For the past two years, she assisted Coleman's Mortuary as a faithful funeral attendant and limousine driver. She previously served on the Board of Directors for Family Medical Centers. As a 35-year courageous breast cancer survivor, Sister Shirley ministered hope to countless women battling breast cancer. She was a past recipient of the "Unsung Heroes Award" given by the Putnam County African-American Cultural Committee. Shirley exemplified a true servant's heart through her compassionate and kindred soul. Her hobbies included cooking, gardening, and caring for others.

In addition to her parents and husbands, Shirley was preceded in eternal rest by her daughter , Susan Canty; sons , Michael Canty Sr., and Shanez Hendrith; grandchildren , Vatesha Dallas, Moses Canty, Mikal Canty, Chasity Johnson, Wayne Keeley, and Eric Canty, Jr.; sisters , Rosa Lee Smart, Cecelia Hunter, and Linda Bowen; aunt , Gladis Horn; father-in-law & mother-in-law, Luther and Minnie (Hayward) Hendrith Sr.; sisters-in-law , Mae Bell Hendrieth-Thomas, Pauline Townsend, and Artie Lee Lewis; brother in law , Luther "Big Man" Hendrith, Jr.

She leaves to cherish her legacy of love: sons and daughters, Beverly Johnson, Roosevelt Canty Jr., and Eric Canty, Sr., all of Palatka; Twila (Clayton) Boyd, Winter Haven; Raggie Canty, Jacksonville; Valerie (Eugene III) Blye, Kimberly (Harrison III) Edwards, Keith James Hendrith, Andre Alston, Lance Alston, Samuel Hendrith, Michelle Hendrith, Shirlene Hendrith, Jeannie (David "Winston") Green, all of Palatka; Jencey Brinson, Tampa; sisters, Sadie Thompson, Hartford, CT; Constance Margaret McRae; sister-in-law, Lillie Bell Brooks; brothers-in-law, Izell "Ike" Hendrith, Sr., all of Palatka; Rudolph Bowen, Hartford, CT; 61 grandchildren, 98 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandson; godmother, Aldine Watts, godchildren, Palmas Montgomery, Susan E. Pillow, Shirley Eubanks, Angel Gardner, LaShonda Simmons-Watson, Dr. Aaron Hall, Arnetta Faye Word, Myra Styles and Tilisa Ledbetter; best friend, Pastor Linda Hall; lifelong friends, Netta Davis and Priscilla Appling; and a host of other caring relatives and sorrowing friends.

Friday visitation: 5-8 p.m., at "Flagg's Chapel of Serenity." Saturday visitation: 9 a.m.-12 noon at Church of God by Faith, 1511 Washington Street, Palatka. Homegoing Celebration will be 2 p.m., Saturday, June 25 at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, Rev. Karl N. Flagg, Pastor. Her pastor, Palatka District COGBF Superintendent Phillip Thomas, is the Eulogist. Interment will be in Oak Hill East Cemetery. Friends may sign the Hendrith family guestbook at www.flaggserenitychapel.com. or www.colemansmortuary.com. Professional Services honorably entrusted to Coleman's Mortuary, 308 North Main St., Hastings, FL and Karl N. Flagg Serenity Memorial Chapel, 2400 Madison St., Palatka, FL.