Deacon J. Henry

HENRY, Deacon Arthur J. - Age 71, passed away Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at Avalon Hospice. Family hour 11:30AM, Thursday, September 1, 2011 at Canaan Missionary Baptist Church, 910 E. Gillespie St., with funeral service commencing at 12:00PM. Pastor Charles E. Roots officiating. Interment Sunset Hills Cemetery, G-4413 Flushing Rd. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 11:30AM Thursday. Mr. Henry will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed from 1-8PM with family present 4-7PM Wednesday. Deacon Arthur J. Henry was born on May 23, 1940 in Eldorado, Arkansas, the son of Arthur Lee Henry and Zepora Henry. Mr. Henry attended Flint Northern High School, where he played football, and graduated in the “Class of 1959.” He attended many safety and security classes. Mr. Henry worked for 34 years as a GM Security Officer at GM Parts and Buick Division of GM retiring in 1996 from the Engine Plant. He was also a member of UAW Local 659, and served as Treasurer of the Security Officers Union before GM outsourced security to Pinkerton. After retiring from GM, he worked 5 years on security at Mott Community College branch in Fenton. Arthur truly loved the Lord. He also loved boating; he and his family spent many hours on the “Lillian II” that was docked every summer at Bay Harbor Marina in Bay City, MI. He made many friends while there. Charlie and Gary helped him a lot as his illness forced him to sell their boat. May Arthur be free from pain and rejoicing with his Heavenly Father. Deacon Henry leaves to cherish his memory: devoted wife of 50 years, Lillian Henry (Priscilla); son, Arthur James (Rachel) Henry, Jr., of Rochester Hills, MI; 2 adopted daughters, Dr. Charlean Austin, Cheryl McKinney of Flint; a host of other adopted daughters and sons including Cassonya Carter-Pugh of Grand Rapids, MI, and Dr. Mark Perry of Washington, DC, Pamela Friday-Norfolk of Raleigh, NC, and Anthony Carter; grandchildren, Maxwell Xavier Henry, Anna Grace Henry both of Rochester Hills, MI, LaDiedra McKinney, LaToi Osborne & husband of Flint; god-daughter, Nichelle Moses of Kalamazoo, MI; a host of loving adopted sisters including Dr. Adele Newsome-Horst, Winifred Watson-Florence of Baltimore, MD, and Mrs. Terry Teamer of Flint; 4 nieces, Barbara Watkins of Chicago, IL, Patrice Drakeford of East Hollywood, CA, Joi Drakeford of San Diego, CA, Annie Horst of Baltimore, MD; nephew, Alex Horst of Madison, WI; 2 aunts, Mrs. Clara Smith, Mrs. Velma Watkins of Flint; uncle, Mr. Thomas Randle of Belzoni, MS; 2 brother-in-laws, George Drakeford of San Diego, CA, David Horst of Baltimore, MD; 2 sister-in-laws, Juanita Drakeford of San Diego CA, Clara Watkins of Jackson, MS; a host of cousins including special cousin, Arlivia Henry, friends, and loving neighbors and co-workers, including special friends: Louise Herron, Harold Morgan, Evelyn Morgan, Irene & Johnny Fouse, Desiree & Billy Fouse, Jackie Hill, Michael Johnson, Gloria Mosely, Deacon & Mrs. Charlie Miles, Deacon & Mrs. Fletcher, Deacon & Mrs. Day. Deacon Henry was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; loving step-father, Mr. Mamon Carter; 1 brother-in-law. The Family would like to express special thanks to Dr. Trevor Singh & Dr. Najli of McLaren Cancer Institute, Dr. Tummali & Dr. Byron Schoolfield & Staff of McLaren Hospital & Forrester (Heartland) Manor, Evelyn & Harold Morgan, Arthur Bivins, Shirley Sanders, Mr. & Mrs. Russell Franklin & all of those loving caretakers at Avalon Hospice that made his last days comfortable. We would also like to thank Charlie and Gary for their help and 25 years of friendship.