Henry Ford Swoope

Henry Swoope was born in Wheeler, Alabama on February 14, 1924 to the late Cornelius and Ella Swoope. Henry was the fifth child of nine children born to this union, of which 5 preceded him in death: Willie J. Yarbrough, Lucy Jones, Laura Bowman, Daisy Sanders and Thomas Mack Swoope. While living in Decatur, Alabama he met and married Lucille White. Henry and Lucille moved to Akron in the early 1940s. To this union was born 2 children, Anthony and Patricia. Henry was a hard working entrepreneur who was dedicated to his family. After a short marriage, Henry and Lucille divorced and Henry remained single throughout the remainder of his life. While attending Antioch Baptist Church in Akron, Ohio he was a proud member and treasurer of The Akron Choral Group.

Henry was affectionately called GH (Grandpa Henry), and Uncle Henry. Henry was a caring and loving person and was a father figure to many family members. After a lengthy illness, Henry departed this life on April 6, 2012. Many will miss Henry’s sense of humor and outgoing personality. He leaves to celebrate his memory and adjust to his absence son Anthony (Patricia), daughter Patricia (Norris) Miller; grand children Kelly (Timothy) Swoope-Holloway, Robin (Jesse) Strup, Phillip Johnson, and Tiffany (Deybis) Abril. Siblings include, Larvette Bailey, Ella (LeeDel) Jerels and David (Lovie) Swoope. Special cousin Sally Massey and a host of nieces, nephews and friends will also miss him.

Memorial service will be Thursday, April 12, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Roselawn Funeral Home with Dr. Diana L. Swoope officiating. Entombment will be in Roselawn Cemetery.

“Miss me, but Let me go…”

When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me,

I want no rites in a gloom filled room,

Why cry for a soul let set free,

Miss me a little – but not too long,

And not with your head bowed low.

Remember the love that we once shared,

Miss me – but let me go.

For this is a journey that we all must take

And each must go alone.

It’s all a part of the master’s plan,

A step on the road home.

When you are lonely and sick at heart, go to the friends we know.

And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds,

Miss me – but let me go.