Henry S. White

Deacon, Henry Shakespeare White was born on July 31, 1931 to Willie B. White and Pearlie White in Gallion, Louisiana. Henry joined the U.S. Marines, where he served from 1951 to 1953. He married Rosella Wilson from Gallion, Louisiana on August 27, 1954 and they resided in Washington, DC where they raised two children, Charles Edward and Harriett Yvonne and raised one grandchild, Anita Yvonne. Henry worked for the U.S. Federal Government at the U.S State Department for 34 years and retired in 1988. Henry also worked part-time as Cab Driver for Globe Cab Company for 30 years, owning his on cab. When Henry was not working and spending time with his loving family, he loved to watch in person or on T.V, the Washington Redskins Football Team and the Los Angeles Dodges Baseball Team. Henry was a godly man who loved the Lord and lived his life in accordance. The only other thing he loved more than his family were dogs, he had several dogs, King, Champ, Joe Precious and by his side still the end Blue. Anyone who met Henry knew he was a great man with a kind heart, who never had a bad word to say about anyone. Henry was also a sharp dresser, he was always dressed in a nice suite and tie. Henry had a special bond with each of his children, Harriett would often come in and say “What’s shaking Daddy O? His response would be: “Nothing shaking but the leaves on the trees and they wouldn’t be shaking if it wasn’t for the breeze.” Another saying he would tell is children and granddaughter: “As long as I owe you, you will never be broke.” We laughed every time. Deacon Henry Shakespeare White attended Emmanuel Baptist Church where he sang in the Men’s Chorus and served as a Deacon, for several decades. Church gave him a sense of peace and an opportunity to give back to the Lord he loved. On December 2, 2020 he departed this life peacefully when the Lord called him home. Henry was able to leave this life with his wife Roselle White, who he referred to as Zet, and his loving daughter Harriett, who he loving called Hank and his dog, Blue were all there by his side. Henry has joined his parents, Willie & Pearlie; Marianne (daughter), sisters, Dorothy, Mary, Janie, Florence, Pearlie, Orsie and brother, Willie Jr in Heaven. Henry leaves to cherish his many fond memories, his wife Rosella married for 66 years, his only brother, Nelson (w.Sandra), son, Charles, daughter, Harriett, one granddaughter, Anita, one great granddaughter, Markia (h.Timothy), three great great-grandchildren, Elijah, Maya and Anaiya and a host of nieces, nephews and friends and his four legged best friend Bleu. Henry, as we sit here and whisper, “I Miss You” We believe somehow you can still hear us. Well done thy faithful servant, rest. Personal Messages from Family Charles Edward Watkins (son) “My daddy Henry S White was the best man I have ever known, there may be others who are as good but I can assure you there are non-better”. One of my most fond memories of us, is when together we bought my brand new, “Red Monte Carlo” first year they came out. We brought it right off the show room floor and I did not even have a driver’s license. Daddy RIP. May God bless your soul. Your son Charles Edward Watkins” Anita Yvonne Watkins (granddaughter) I am so lucky, I had my granddaddy for 47 years, I cannot remember a time where he wasn’t there. He loved me unconditionally and spoiled me more than any man ever has. I have so many memories of him and the times we shared. My favorite memory will forever be: Growing up, each year my granddaddy took me to pick out a real Christmas tree, and each year I picked the biggest, fullest and expensive tree on the lot, but he did care he just smiled and paid. When we got home my grandma would always yell “Henry you spoil this girl how we going fit this tree in the house” I love you granddaddy I will never forget you and I will remember everything you taught me and every Sunday, I will drink a cup of hot lemon tea with a slice of toast in you your Honor. Markia Anita William (Great Granddaughter) My Great-Granddaddy was the nicest man I have ever known, I live in California but I visited often growing up and he visited us. He was a quite man but had a strong presence, I will never forget how he taught me how to make the perfect cup of tea and a slice of toast, I don’t even really eat bread, but when he made it, it was somehow perfect. I am 27 years old and I don’t think granddaddy has ever called me by my correct name, I would correct everyone else, but never him. I just got use to it and when I would call him I would say “Hi, granddaddy is Marquis” I love you granddaddy glad you got to meet your great-great grandkids and I will teach them how to make the perfect cup of tea.

Tributes

Henry S. White

July 31, 1931 - December 2, 2020