Janell Sue Hendry

SHAWNEE, OK – Janell Sue (Richardson) Hendry, age 75, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at her home in Shawnee, Oklahoma. She died exactly as she had hoped—at peace, free of pain, comfortable on her favorite spot on the couch, and surrounded by the family she adored.

Born on July 31, 1951, in Chickasha, Oklahoma, Janell was the daughter of the late Glenn Walter Richardson and Naomi Mae (Pitts) Richardson. She grew up in the small town of Verden, Oklahoma, where her lifelong devotion to music began. As a child, she was captivated by choral music, symphonies, hymns, and Broadway tunes, often singing along with her Daddy to the old AM radio in their dairy milking barn. Throughout her school years, she toured Oklahoma and surrounding states with the "Verdenettes," a local girls' choral group that performed on radio, television, and at community rallies. Music became the very essence of her soul; even in her later years, she could vividly recall lyrics from 70 years prior.

Janell turned her passion into a lifetime of service. After graduating from Verden High School in 1969, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance and Music Education from OCLA (now the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in Chickasha) in 1973. She then completed a Master of Music in Church Music from Southwestern Seminary in Ft. Worth in 1975—the same year she married Sam Hendry. She went on to earn a second master's degree in Vocal Pedagogy and Performance from Texas Women’s University in Denton, TX in 1980. For 35 years, Janell served as a dedicated music teacher, instructing students from pre-K through high school, leading choirs, and directing musical programs.

In 2012, fulfilling a calling placed on her heart as a high school student at Falls Creek in 1966, Janell planted Grace Church and established Grace House in 2013. As the undeniable driving force behind Grace House, she poured her entire being into the ministry. She welcomed everyone unconditionally, listened to their stories, and dedicated herself to showing the love of Jesus Christ to anyone who crossed her path.

The final seven years of Janell's life were marked by intense physical struggle following a major heart attack in 2019 and the rapid onset of osteoporosis and heart disease. Despite constant pain, her resilient spirit never wavered. She refused to let her ailments stop her from serving, remaining a constant, uplifting presence at the church and Grace House until the very end.

Janell is survived by her son, Scott Hendry of Shawnee; her daughter and son-in-law, Lauren and Kyle Craig of Shawnee; her cherished grandson, Carter Craig of Shawnee; and her former husband, Sam Hendry of Tecumseh. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Dean Cunningham of Verden; her niece and her husband, Lisa McElroy Wright and Dennis Wright of Norman; her nephews and their wives, Greg and Kelli McElroy of Oologah, Michael and Jessica Cunningham of Chickasha, and Daniel and Shelby Cunningham of Verden; great-nephews Eli, Ethan, and Evan McElroy, and Easton Cunningham; great-niece Madi Cunningham; and a large, loving network of cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends spanning Oklahoma, Missouri, Louisiana, California, Indiana, and Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents and her older sister, Linda Joyce McElroy.

A celebration of Janell's life and ministry will be held on Monday, August 31, 2026 at 10:00 am at Temple Baptist Church in Shawnee. Dr. Scott Hendry and the Rev. Greg McElroy will be officiating the memorial service. A public viewing and visitation will be held on Friday, August 28th from 5-7pm at Riley-Walker Funeral Service in Shawnee. Calling and visiting hours will be held on Sunday, August 30th from 1-5pm at Riley-Walker.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to donate to Grace House, the heartbeat of Janell’s service and ministry. Donations may be sent to: Grace House, P.O. Box 126, Shawnee, OK 74802 or on Venmo: @graceshawnee.

Janell is now resting in her new body, free of brokenness and frailty, in the presence of her Savior Jesus.