Essie Henry's Obituary
In Celebration and Memory of the Life ofEssie HenryA wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to many. Her sisters and brothers called her “Doll Baby”. Today, we honor Essie Henry and her life with love.Essie was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, and came to California when she was a young child.Essie was 91 years old and married to Hosea Henry, Jr. for 57 years. From this marriage, a “blended family” with 7 children united as one–Mary Carr (Roger), Tommie Partee, Leroy Partee (Gloria), Ellen Hill (Donald), Charles Thompson (Vonda), Rhonda Hosey (Anthony) and Keith Henry (who preceded her in death). She was also loved by her 15 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, 4 sisters, 3 brothers and a host of nieces and nephews.In her earlier years, Essie loved to entertain others with an abundance of food, dance and just plain “ole” good fun. Her smile would light up a room, and her growl face would make you run for cover. Underneath it all, she was just being Essie and Mom.Where she lived, some of the neighbors dubbed her as “The Mayor” of Edgemont Way, as she “ran” the block.She was also known for her beautiful clothes which included, hats, furs, jewelry, matching shoes along with other ensembles. She loved participating in fashion shows for her Happy Wanderers motorhome club which included dressing up on Halloween and Christmas holidays.Boating and camping were another favorite past time, as she and Hosea went to great lengths to expose the kids, family and their friends to these activities. At times, there would be almost 50 family and friends camping and boating within their group. Yes, she even tried water skiing! I know, just shake your head! Additionally, she always cooked more than needed in order to share with others at the campsite. Oh, she adored all of you in the “Happy Wanderers RV Club”, and she shared the greatest memories and fun that she experienced. Representing one of her favorite campsites at Allensworth, Tulare, California, she would participate as a mascot, dressing up in western attire including a bonnet, waving to all who entered. A devoted motorhome enthusiast, “RV girl” is on her Jeep license plate and “4 Essie” is on their Country Coach motorhome. She loved driving her motorhome, even when she would damage a mirror, etc., she would call a dealer on the road to have the part ready, at their next stop! One day, she even painted the curbs on the street red where it was stored in order to maneuver it out easily onto the street without cars in the way. We always wondered if she would get arrested one day. – That was Essie.Fishing, there wasn’t a fish that she couldn’t catch. Once she caught a leopard shark over 6 ft. long. She would stay up all night fishing from her boat and if others wanted to join her for the all-night experience, she welcomed them to tie up alongside of her.On occasion, it was nothing for her to swing a hammer and assist with construction or remodel of their rental properties. She worked diligently alongside her sons and Hosea for many years.She was a faithful member of Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, located in Berkeley, CA, for 42 years. During her illness, she received a call, a sort of offer you can’t refuse, for an appointment from which she will not be returning. This call came requesting a re-union with family and friends that she has not seen in a long time.We love you Essie and Mom! Although we were not ready for you to leave us, we will meet again, joyfully on the other side and we know that you will be waiting with open arms for us all. AcknowledgementThe family of Essie Henry wish to say…perhaps you sent a lovely card, or sat quietly in a chair. Perhaps you sent those beautiful flowers, we saw sitting on the coffee table and food tray. Perhaps you spoke the kindest words, as any friend could say. Perhaps you were not there at all and just thought of us on a particular day. Whatever you did to console our hearts, we thank you so much for whatever your part was.
What’s your fondest memory of Essie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Essie?
Share a story where Essie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Essie you’ll never forget.
How did Essie make you smile?