Henry Arthur Tolbert

Henry Arthur Tolbert of Humble, Texas, was called by name and welcomed into Heaven on Wednesday, August 30th, 2023 at 1:35pm. His body tired and weak, but his faith and spirit lifted, succumbed to death at Heart-to-Heart Hospice in Houston, Texas.

On January 1st of 1947, Henry Tolbert, Sr. and Georgia Edd Williams Tolbert brought in the New Year with the arrival of their baby boy, Henry Arthur. Henry was a good child, student and friend. He cherished a close relationship with his two brothers, Andrew Lee and Ron and two sisters, Betty Lou and Alice Faye. He shared the typical childhood of daily household chores, working in the fields and attending church. Childhood memories include close bonding times with Betty and Faye playing and enjoying life. In his teenage years, he discovered that being tall, dark and handsome had special privileges of Playboy qualities. As a man, he was warm, kind, generous and could be counted on in a time of need. He was an amazing uncle to his nieces and nephews who lovingly called him “Unc”. He was always his own person. A gentle giant.

Henry attended Sam Houston Elementary School and Sam Houston High School where he graduated in 1965 in Huntsville, Texas. In 1966, he received his draft orders from the US Army, but Henry wanted to be a United States Marine so he voluntarily enlisted for the mandatory three years to serve his country. After boot camp training he was immediately deployed to the Vietnam War for over two years and then to Camp Pendleton in California. He received an Honorable discharge in 1969.

Upon returning home Henry wanted to be a professional boxer, however, one fight in he was knocked out and decided to rethink his life. So, Henry decided to work for the airlines as a steward so he could see the world. After completing the Universal Airline training program, he again, decided on a different path. He sparked an interest in being a Real Estate Agent. He studied hard and passed the real estate exam, only thing was, Henry did not like to talk to people. Shortly after that, he landed his first job as a Correctional Officer for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. He found no satisfaction in a job of witnessing the mistreatment of others and decided to venture into another career path. It was then that he received a work opportunity at Dow Chemical with the responsibility of mixing and moving chemicals. Later, he accepted a higher position at Magnum Chemical as a Kettel Operator.

On May 20th, 1970 his only son, Paul Douglas Harris was born. Over the last several years they created and unbreakable bond of father and son, a relationship he deeply cherished. In 1972, Henry married Darlene Love. From that union a baby girl arrived, Darasha Yvette Tolbert. By every standard of Daddy’s Girl, he relished in being the doting father over her every whim and always ensured that her every need was met. However, his joy runneth over with the births of his grandchildren and their time together.

In August of 1983, while enjoying an evening at the Cisco Night Club, a tall, beautiful woman with red hair caught his eye. It was there that Henry and Marjorie first met. They talked day and night about everything and nothing. In 1985, they entered into a committed life relationship and purchased their first home. From that union Henry was gifted with two “Bonus Daughters” Tasha and Tonya and let it be known ‘’They were his children”! Affectionately, called Pops and Hen-Hen, he expanded his father role and they became an instant family. He developed a deep relationship with each of them and served as the father figure. They could speak with him about anything, life, relationships, careers, food, sports, religion, best restaurants and movies and always gave great and solid advice freely. PaPa enjoyed an even closer relationship with his “Bonus grandchildren” and relished in family gatherings that brought him great joy. Together they shared a bond that embraced a warm home life and most importantly, love. Henry and Marjorie enjoyed going to the casinos and weekend drives down to Huntsville to visit family and friends. Henry enjoyed playing Bid Whist and was always open for a game of dominoes! He loved exploring Texas, Louisiana and California. In 2006, he made the decision to retire after 37 years from Cook Composites & Polymers Company in Houston and begin the next chapter of his life.

He was also a quiet and soft-spoken man but he could be amped up in a quick minute over sports, politics and any general subjects he had an insight on. Henry never backed down from a good debate! He was an avid sports fan of both the NBA Basketball and the NFL Football teams. He enjoyed sparing with his brother, Pee Wee of who had the better team and the possibilities of Texas championships. He coined his favorite phrase, “Aaah, come on now”. He was also a man who loved God, family, friends, celebrations and good food. Henry also enjoyed cooking and loved to “throw down” from steaks to burgers, a good meal was to be prepared and served. He loved good food and dining out at his favorite restaurant, Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen enjoying “Fried Alligator and a Seafood Platter” while sipping on his favorite drink, “Swamp Thing” …and please, don’t ask for any food on his plate. Like his father, Henry was a dedicated fan of the Young and Restless and the Bold and the Beautiful!

Henry had a deep faith that when we die, we will have eternal life. He is now walking around heaven with his Daddy, Georgia, Faye, and Lexie along with other family and friends gone to soon but not forgotten. He is pain free, soul lifted and the peace of God in Heaven shouting the goodness and favor of God as he watches over us from above. Let this be our forever prayer when shadows of loss fill the days.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Henry, and Georgia Tolbert, sister, Alice Faye James, sister-in-love, Lexie Tolbert, and brother-in-law, Jerry B. James Sr. He is survived by and left to cherish his memory, devoted wife of forty years, Marjorie Tolbert, daughter, Darasha Yvette Tolbert, son, Paul Harris (Deloris), daughters, Tonya Jones and Tasha Jenkins, brothers, Andrew Lee Tolbert of Huntsville, Texas, Ronald Gillaspie (Susan) of Bellflower, California and sister, Betty Lou Tolbert-Foster of Huntsville, Texas and cousin/brother, Gerald Smith. Also, six grandsons, Daniel Sherard Henry II, Frederick Lynn Watts II, Paul Harris, Jr, Jarvis Harris, Zackary Harris, and Jordan Jones. Three granddaughters, Destiny Harris, Jasmine Jones, and Torri Jenkins; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends too numerous to name – All of whom will truly miss him.

A funeral service for Henry will be held Monday, September 11, 2023 from 12:30 PM to 1:45 PM at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038. A committal service will occur Monday, September 11, 2023 from 2:15 PM to 2:30 PM at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038. A reception will occur Monday, September 11, 2023 from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038.

Serving as pallbearers are Jordan Jones, Fredrick Watts, Micheal Tolbert, Paul Harris, Richard Jones and Otis Hill.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AmericanHeritageFuneralHome.com for the Tolbert family.