In loving memory

SHIRLEY ANN JENSEN


(Chip)
May 15, 1953 - March 2, 2005

On March 2nd, 2005, my beloved wife of 20 years, mother of our seven children, partner in EVERYTHING I did, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus after a nine month battle with a rare form of cancer. I miss her more than words can express. I've never been more homesick than now. The night before she went home, I sat by her bedside in the hospital praying, and my Father in Heaven asked me one question and that has sustained me through this deep dark valley. He simply asked me "Do you trust me?" I have been a Born Again Christian for more than 30 years and I was able to say through my tears that 'Yes, I trust you completely. I trust you with my life, my wife and my family.' God proved His love to me 2000 years ago on a Cross on Calvary. I have no earthly reason to ever doubt Him. This valley in the shadow of my wife's death is darker and more difficult than anything I have ever been through, but God's love is greater. Chip, I love you.


A capable wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant, she brings her food from far away. She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and tasks for her servant-girls. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength, and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poor, and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid for her household when it snows, for all her household are clothed in crimson. She makes herself coverings; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the city gates, taking his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she supplies the merchant with sashes. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her happy; her husband too, and he praises her: "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all."
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her a share in the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the city gates.
Proverbs 31:10-31
Shirley was completely and totally a Proverbs 31 woman. Everyone who knew her was blessed, she was unselfish, giving and totally devoted to her children. She home schooled all seven of our children while at the same time attending to our Jensen Quality Homes office.



From left: Jonathan, Rebecca, Joshua, Marybeth, Isaiah, Shirley, and Christopher.

May 2003

(Our oldest son Jeff isn't in the picture.)

We have established a "Friends of Shirley Jensen" Account at Mid-South Bank in Murfreesboro for those who wanted to do something in memory of Shirley for our children.

Thank you to all who prayed and are continuing to pray for my family.

With hope in Jesus Christ, Steve