Clifton Joseph Henry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He went home to his Heavenly Father on June 21, 2021 at the age of 91.
The youngest of four children, Clifton was born to Eugenie Edwards and Joseph Henry on November 27, 1929 in St. Catherine, Jamaica, and was educated at Lucky Valley School. As a child, he often preached passionate sermons to an invisible congregation – a foreshadowing of what was to come.
In his early career, Clifton served as a farmer and traveled throughout the U.S. as a migrant worker during the early 1950’s. From the late 1950’s through 1968, he worked for the Jamaican Government Welfare Agency as a Social Worker, distributing food and clothing to the poor and providing public housing assistance, as needed. After immigrating to the U.S., in 1968, Clifton began employment in the Environmental Services department at Brigham and Women’s Hospital where he was a devoted employee for 24 years. During his tenure he worked in various capacities and retired in 1994 as Director of the department.
In 1954, while in Harkers Hall, Jamaica, Clifton spotted a beautiful young lady in the community gospel choir and later tracked her down at the grocery store where she worked. After a year of dating, he proposed and married Pearletta Anderlee Smellie on April 6, 1955 and together they had seven children: Eileen, Barrington, Howard, Maureen, Janice, Althea, and Arlene. In 1968 he migrated to Boston, MA with his wife and children following in 1969 and 1970 in order to access greater educational opportunities for their children.
Clifton enjoyed traveling locally and internationally, especially to Europe, Africa and the Caribbean. He delighted in being outdoors, especially by the ocean. His favorite pastimes were fishing, eating ice-cream—his favorite being Rum & Raisin, taking long walks with his wife, spending quality time with family, and serving in his church.
A motivated self-learner, Clifton would often read dictionaries, thesauruses and other materials to enhance his vocabulary and knowledge. He loved to write and spent a significant portion of his days contemplating and recording self-improvement thoughts and ideas in his many journals. He eventually authored a book filled with guidance on navigating through life titled “Reflections on Living a Good Life,” leaving a rich legacy for his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and beyond. His words and inspirations will continue to plant seeds for generations to come.
A humble man of God, committed to his faith, Clifton began his service in ministry at the Calvary Gospel Chapel in Harkers Hall, Jamaica under the leadership of the late Derrick Bourne and wife Beryl Bourne and more recently served 40 years as an Elder in the ministry at Community Gospel Chapel in Roxbury, MA. He delighted in visiting and ministering to the sick and shut-in. He often quoted words from traditional hymns and scripture, one of his favorite passages being Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”
Appreciated by others as peacekeeper and a good soul, Clifton was immensely calm, kind, selfless, and had a great sense of humor. He was a man of integrity and strong principles. Enduring a long battle with his health, Clifton fought the good fight, steadfastly knowing that God would meet his every need. He is now seated in the glorious presence of the Prince of Peace.
Survived by his wife, Pearletta; sons, Barrington Henry (Judith) and Howard Henry (Paula); daughters, Eileen Mills (Marshal), Maureen Hickey (Alty), Janice Henry, Althea Henry (Tanya), and Arlene Roberts (Wayne); grandchildren, Kristina Mills, Erica Mills, Marcus Mills, Terrell Henry, Ida Henry, Brittany Henry, Camille Trench, Donovan Henry, Shannon Woodson, Michael Woodson, II, Wesley Woodson, Jonathan Pedican, Jonah Henry, Kingston Bowen-Henry, Jaden Bowen-Henry, Logan Roberts, and Alana Roberts; great-grandchildren Ezekiel Pedican, Winnie Woodson, Owen Trench, and Beau Woodson; and a host of extended family and friends, Clifton was deeply loved and will be dearly missed.
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Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Celebration of Life Service will be restricted in numbers.
We gladly welcome guests to the Public Viewing and Interment.
Visiting hour Wednesday June 30, 2021 from 10-11 AM at the 12th Baptist Church 150-160 Warren Street Roxbury followed by a Funeral Service from 11 AM -12:30 PM. Burial will be in Forest Hills Cemetery Jamaica Plain.