Leola M. "Ollie" Henry

- A Fruitful Life -

Leola M. Henry, age 98 of Middletown, DE was born on January 26, 1919 in Townsend, DE. Leola passed away peacefully on Good Friday, April 14, 2017 surrounded by her loving family at home. Leola was affectionately known as "Ollie". She received her education in the Townsend, DE school system.

Leola was a member of Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Middletown, DE. She received her baptism there in 1985, she attended for 32 years every Sunday until her health failed. She loved God and still longed to attend church when she was unable. Leola was a child of God and loved prayers.

Leola met Warner Henry Sr. from Townsend, DE. They were joined in Holy Matrimony, and from this union, there were 14 children. Leola was a homemaker for many years caring for her children until they got older. Thereafter, she was employed with the New Castle County as a School Crossing Guard in Middletown for 15 years.

Leola was quiet and easy going; she loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them. She loved all her children very much. Leola loved going to outings and stores, she loved life. She loved cooking, reading, washing and folding clothes. Leola's favorite foods that she enjoyed cooking for her family were: rice pudding with raisins, fried potatoes, chicken and dumplings, and beef vegetable soup. She loved sweets and bread.

Leola was a jack of all trades, she cut hair, made home repairs, painted, drew, and sewed.

Leola enjoyed watching TV; Family Feud and Wheel of Fortune. She watched the news channel daily. She watched talk shows and various entertainment. Leola self-taught herself to drive a car at the age of 52 years old. Leola liked to look nice and dress nice, she was very fashionable. She loved her hats, jewelry, pocketbooks, lipstick, and looking at herself in her mirror.

Leola loved reading the Bible, Bible studies in her home, reading the newspaper, magazines and her horoscope. She loved music and her favorite gospel song was "Never would have made it" by Marvin Sapp. Leola looked forward to her Birthdays and Holidays. On her Birthday, she enjoyed telephone calls, visits, family gatherings, cards and gifts.

Leola was a great mom who always was there for all of her children. She babysat her grandchildren and great grandchildren to almost 90 years old. She also babysat and welcomed neighborhood children. Children and babies held a special place in her heart, she loved them with all her heart. Leola was full of energy and always kept busy doing something. She was a devoted mother who did an outstanding job providing and taking care of her family.

Leola was our family's Matriarch who kept our family together. She had a calm and gentle spirit. Leola did not allow anything to worry her, she enjoyed life peacefully. Leola was a very lovable person. Leola will always be remembered for her warm heart, persistent strength and charming smile.

Leola was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Rachel (Duker) Butcher; her five siblings, two sisters, Arneda Williams and Charlesetta Butcher; three Brothers, Elwood, Dallas and Delmar Butcher; (she was the second oldest of six children) her husband Warner E. Henry Sr.; three daughters, Florence M. and Aileen W. Henry and Althelia M. Maston; two sons, Delmar E. and Warner E. Henry Jr.; two grandsons, Willard O. Waters and Darryl L. Henry.

Leola leaves to cherish her memories her nine children: Dallas (Ruby) Henry, Dewittfield (Glenzel) Henry, Alvin (Victoria) Henry, Janice (Thenell) Green, Janet Cale, Otis (Kathleen) Henry, Quentin Henry, Felecia Henry, and Waldo (Lisa) Henry; two adopted children, son, Ronnie (Juvy) Henry and daughter Wanda Henry-Lewis; daughter - in-law, Joyce Tate-Henry; 21 grandchildren; Pamela, Francine, Trudy, Nigel, Derek, Dana, Dalisha, Dallas Jr, Dewitt Jr, LaTanya, Carlissa, Latoya, Willam Jr, Sheena, Quentin Jr., Bruchette , Warner III, Jayden, and Tyron; 34 great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; a devoted niece Barbara Berry.

Leola "Ollie" will truly be missed and our family will not be the same without you. We all love you so much.