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Thomas Julian Henry, avid entrepreneur

November 6, 2017

Thomas Julian Henry Sr., 89, of Georgetown, was called home to be with the Lord Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2017. He passed away quietly at home surrounded by his wife and children. 

Thomas was born Jan. 17, 1928, in Georgetown to the late John L. Henry Sr. and Mary A. (Sneed) Henry.   

Tom was the second of eight children and lived his life in Georgetown.  He was a devoted member of St. John’s Baptist Church in Lewes.   He worked many years for the State of Delaware Highway Department until he retired in 1977. After retirement, he managed apartments for Briggs Apartments.  However, those who knew Tom knew that he was an avid entrepreneur.  Over the years he established many businesses, ranging from pig farm to barbershop to trash collection; in fact, he was the first black trash collector in Georgetown.    

He loved gardening; his yard was his haven!  He loved music and he was a fantastic cook!  His grandchildren lived for his lemon meringue pie and apple dumplins’.    

Tom is preceded in death by his parents; his two brothers, John Henry II and Donald Henry; his sister, Mary Henry; his oldest daughter, Sandra Thompson; and three of his grandchildren, Joy Mifflin, Neil Henry and Jonica Henry. 

Left to cherish his memories is his wife of 67 years, Joan (Dunning) Henry; four brothers, Paul Henry, Soloman Henry (Deloris), Harold Henry and Charles Henry Sr. (Betty); four sons, Thomas Henry Jr. (Beverly), Roland Mifflin, John Henry III (Doris) and Sherman Henry (Esther); three daughters, Tommaine Henry Jackson, Joanna Henry Moses and Mary Lynn Henry Lewis; 21 grandchildren; and 48 great-grandchildren; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  

Service of Celebration will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 11, at St. John Baptist Church, 26602 Mt. Joy Road, Millsboro. Viewing is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with formal home going services to follow. Interment will be held in Union Cemetery, 109 E. Adams St., Georgetown. Arrangements by Evan W. Smith Funeral Services, Dover.

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