IN MEMORY
DOROTHY IRENE COLLINS HARGROVE HENSON
October 25, 1926 - January 14, 2008

A Class Act has left the stage. Dorothy Irene Collins Hargrove Henson, the "face, voice and soul" of Shaw, Bransford & Roth, P.C., and its predecessor firms since April 1988, died Monday, January 14, 2008. Before joining our firm, Dorothy was receptionist for the firms of Smathers & Merrigan (Senator George Smathers and Edward Merrigan) and Smathers, Symington & Herlong (Senator George Smathers, Senator Stuart Symington, and Congressman A. Sydney Herlong, Jr.).

It was often commented that Dorothy's smile could be "heard" through the phone. Her pleasant greeting endeared her to clients, firm friends and staff alike. She had an uncanny knack for remembering voices and knew who the caller wanted to speak with. No matter what Dorothy was facing in her personal life, she remained cheerful; and, when asked how she was doing, would reply, "I do tolerable."

A friend to all, she was always ready with a smile and was quick with words of wit and wisdom, encouragement, comfort and even chastisement when needed. Dorothy was honest and straightforward and kept us all straight. She had a feisty yet gentle spirit, which delighted clients, staff, vendors and deliverymen alike, often resulting in a bit of banter back and forth. She was a confidante, the person with whom fellow employees and even some clients and vendors would share their troubles and joys. As one former co-worker put it, "she knows the dirt on us all." Another said, "She loved me and I knew it." She had a huge heart and a love of all people and was a ray of sunshine wherever she went.

Dorothy will be sorely missed and fondly remembered.

"For nearly 20 years, most of my mornings have included Dorothy's friendly and reassuring greeting. She has meant so much to Shaw, Bransford & Roth, P.C. over those years. She has been our public face and voice and what a great image she projected. Our employees, our clients and our friends have all grown to love Dorothy. She was unique, always imparting a personal touch to those she encountered. She made everyone feel special. I have a sense of comfort and reassurance at having known Dorothy. I am proud to have worked with her. My life is better because I knew Dorothy. She will be greatly missed."--Bill Bransford