Arthur Russell Henry

Arthur Russell Henry, affectionately and interchangeably known as Russell, and Art, was born on May 22, 1940, in Denver, Colorado. His parents who preceded him in death are Arthur Abbott Henry and Geraldine Wilson Henry. Arthur’s journey began as a young boy, learning the values of hard work and responsibility from his uncle, mother, and father.

Since Arthur and his loving wife, Linda, have similar parental upbringing, they strived to further instill these important values into their own children’s life. For example, during his youth, Arthur contributed to his family by working on his uncle's farm and subsequently taking on the responsibility of managing a paper route for the Denver Post. His dedication to both academic pursuits and personal responsibilities became evident during his years at East High School in Denver. Here, he not only excelled academically, but he also actively participated in various school activities, (including track and field), all the while conscientiously managing his paper route.

Following his graduation from East High School, Arthur embarked on a journey of higher education at the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he pursued a major in Biology, and in later years, a master’s degree in education from the University of Northern Colorado. His early college years not only enriched his academic knowledge but also provided invaluable work experience at the Coors Brewing Company in Golden, Colorado.

In 1964, after earning his degree in biology, Arthur embarked on a teaching career in the Denver Public Schools, spanning over 42 years beginning with a lengthy tenure at Smiley Middle school. Known as Mr. Henry, he was a caring teacher who was committed to instilling in his students, not only a wealth of content knowledge, but also discipline, morality, and a sense of respect and “community”. A man of unwavering principles, he even once put his own sons out of his class for talking during a visit. During this time teaching, he also met a fellow teacher, Linda Ramona Johnson, the love of his life, and their marriage has lasted for 53 years.

In later years after a three-year leave from teaching, he resumed his public-school teaching at Martin Luther King Middle School. Arthur cherishes those three years on leave, since he devoted his time on leave as a caregiver for one of his sons who has significant special needs, including autism. Arthur often comments that he cherishes those special three years of caring for his son, as one of the most valuable and heartwarming years in his lifetime! Likewise, his wife and children believe that those special three years are held very dear in his son’s heart as well!

A trailblazer in his own right, Arthur confronted the obstacles of attending a predominantly white university during a period when African Americans were fervently advocating for equal rights. His ability to navigate this challenging environment was greatly supported by a strong family foundation and a community of friends who were as close as family.

More importantly, in the early l970’s, Art and his wife, Linda Ramona Johnson Henry, began to study with Jehovah’s Witnesses and learned how to ‘dig even deeper into God’s word’. They came to many scriptural realizations, such as the positive and profound validation that our creator, God, is not partial, and one day soon he will put an end to all prejudice and discrimination as expressed in Acts 10: 34, 35 : “At this Peter began to speak, and he said : “Now I truly understand that God is not partial, but in every nation, the man who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him." After these progressive Bible studies, both Art and his wife, Linda, were both baptized on a spring day in the early l970’s and have both dedicated their service to Jehovah God.

Arthur was also quite a conversationalist who could engage persons from all diverse backgrounds in very relevant interchanges. His conversations included many appropriate topics of the day including current events, the environment, education, family and history. This innate gift continued to be an asset in his Christian ministry, as he was able to effectively share pertinent Bible scriptures with a wide range of persons such as neighbors, persons in the hospital, grocery stores, auto shops, restaurants, and the like.

Arthur Russell Henry is survived by his wife of 53 years, Linda Henry, his sister, Charlotte (Mohammad) Khan of Sebastian, Florida; his three sons, Arthur Hodari Henry of Brooklyn N.Y., Jeffrey (Akilah) Henry of Denver and Daren Henry of Denver; his grandson Naim Malik Henry of Brooklyn N.Y; his brother-in-law, Calvin Derrick (Ernestine) Johnson of Merrillville, Indiana, and a host of nieces, cousins, and nephews.

May Arthur’s legacy of dedication to his family, his commitment to Jehovah God, discipline, and love for education, live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Now, Arthur is in Jehovah’s memory. He is at peace because he sleeps- But only for a little while. He will awaken resurrected from his rest to a healthy body and mind. “These words are faithful and true” as expressed in Joshua 23:14: “Now look! I am about to die, and you well know with all your soul that not one word out of all the good promises that Jehovah your God has spoken to you has failed. They have all come true to you. Not one word of them has failed.”

Isaiah 55: 10, 11: “For just as the rain and the snow pour down from heaven and do not return there until they saturate the earth making it produce and sprout, Giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, So my word that goes out of my (Jehovah God’s) mouth will be. It will not return to me without results. But it will certainly accomplish whatever is my delight, And it will have sure success in what I send it to do.“

The Henry family invites relatives and friends to a viewing to be held on January 27, 2024 at 10:00 am at Olinger Highland Mortuary, 10201 Grant St, Thornton, CO 80229. The Interment (burial services),will follow at 11:00 am.