Anna Henry

Anna Livingston White Henry was born on December 9, 1928, the sixth of ten children from the union of Samuel Roland White and Joanna Hopkins White, Milton, Delaware. Anna passed away peacefully on April 12, 2023.

On August 26,1961, Anna married Donald Richard Henry, Sr., and they made their home in Georgetown, Delaware. Together they raised one son and two daughters; (Donald Richard Henry, Jr., Donna and Carol).

Anna grew up in Bethel A.M.E. Church, Milton, Delaware. Her father, a trustee, and his oldest son, helped to build the existing Bethel A.M.E. Church. Her mother was the church soloist. As a youth, Anna, was very active in Sunday School under superintendent, Mr. Roosevelt Young, guiding her life then as a teacher. She taught kindergarten and primary classes. She was a delegate for Sunday School Conventions, represented her Sunday School in community activities, served as treasurer, choir member, Y.P.D. member, and attended Bible school under the direction of Mrs. Virginia Clark.

In her adult years Anna was a very active member of Bethel A.M.E. Church.  She loved her church family, worshiping with them every Sunday. She was a member of the Senior and Gospel Choirs, acting as secretary for both, Women’s Missionary Society, and Christian Education Department. She served as a delegate to the Delaware Annual Conference, represented Bethel’s Lay Organization in the Conference King and Queen Contest in Dover, DE, Women’s Day Chairwoman, Steward, Stewardess, member of the Finance Committee and, was the Sunshine Club person for Bethel. Under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Iola E. Williams, Mother Henry was one of the initial members of the newly formed Mother’s Board in 2019; and was appointed by the Pastor as the Board’s first President.

Thanks to her parents for their sacrifices, and to God for blessing her with the wisdom to become a teacher, Anna’s history includes: attending the segregated School #196-C (C for colored), with 2 rooms (Grades 1-8). She walked two miles one way each day; receiving perfect attendance awards. In order to complete grades nine through twelve, she went to Richard Allen Elementary in Georgetown, Delaware. Grade ten was completed at Benjamin Banneker in Milford, Delaware. At Delaware State College High School Department, Dover, Delaware, she completed eleventh and twelfth grades. Anna went on to receive a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Delaware State College (now Delaware State University). 

Anna did her student teaching in Slaughter Neck, Delaware under Mrs. Leola Davis (Grade 3) and in Dover, Delaware under Miss Eva Baynard (Grade 6). Anna returned home after graduation and was offered her first job teaching at the hometown school #196-C, where she first began her own education, teaching (Grades 1-4). When schools became integrated, Anna was transferred to the new H.O. Brittingham Elementary, Milton, Delaware (in which she was on the board making plans for the building), teaching 2nd Grade. At the time of her retirement, she was teaching 4th Grade, and tutoring in the summer. 

God blessed Anna as an educator for 42 years; loving her career, touching the lives of so many young ones. A crowning accomplishment for her years as an educator, was being nominated Teacher of the Year 1992-1993.

Anna was predeceased by her loving husband, Donald; and one daughter, Carol Jean Farmer.

Anna leaves to mourn her passing: her son, Donald, Jr., (Natasha); daughter, Donna Tyre-Draper (David); eight grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; three brothers-in-law; one sister-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Psalm 145:9 The LORD is good to all; His compassion rests on all He has made.

Motto: Do unto others as you would have them do you unto you.

Daily Prayer – “Lord, let your light shine through me that I may share your love and blessing with whomever I meet daily with a smile, a hello, or a hug on the way.

Anna never liked being the center of attention and per her wishes there will be no funeral services.

Sadly Missed, The Family