Arthur James Henry

Arthur James Henry, Sr., was born on November 23, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois. He was the eldest of five children born to the late Annie Ray and Charles Henry, Jr. To all who knew him, he was affectionately known as "Art." Arthur, a beloved friend to many, received his formal education from the Newark Public School District, and in 1966 received his high school diploma from West Side High School in Newark, New Jersey. Arthur continued his education in 1966 at Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina, and in 1967 at Cooper Union School of the Arts in New York City. A devoted veteran of the Armed Services, Arthur served in the Army National Guard in 1968. He continued his military career, serving in the US Air Force from July 1976 to July 1980. He later transferred to the US Army from August 1980 to January 1989, where he retired as Sergeant First Class. Arthur was a loving father to four precious children from previous marriages. Arthur later met and united in marriage with Cressie Barlow on April 28, 2006. Dedicated and passionate about serving the needs of veterans, Arthur was employed by the State of New Jersey as a Veteran Employment Supervisor. Through his leadership, he could connect veterans with needed employment services. After over 20 years of employment, Arthur retired from the State of New Jersey in 2014. Arthur and his wife Cressie relocated to Charlotte, NC, in 2015, where he continued to enjoy his retirement until his death. Arthur had a big heart and keen sense of humor that ended with a joke. His hospitality was simply an opportunity to show his love and care to family and friends. He had a zest for life and an infectious personality—people of all ages enjoyed his company. He was a sharp dresser with exquisite taste. Art also knew his way around the kitchen, and you could always expect a smorgasbord made with love when you went to his home. At any given moment he would shed tears of joy for the love he had in his heart for others. Arthur was knowledgeable about many things to aid others in being successful in life, and was a great family historian. He unconditionally loved his children and grandchildren. Arthur was a respectable, proud, and loving man; when he entered a room, his presence commanded your attention. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. On the evening of Wednesday, November 25, 2020, surrounded by his loving wife Cressie and family, Arthur peacefully transitioned from labor to rest. Arthur was preceded in death by parents, Annie Ray and Charles Henry Jr., and his sister Loretta Little. Arthur's infectious legacy of love and his joyful spirit of hospitality will continue through the lives of his loving family. He leaves to cherish his memories: his loving wife, Cressie Henry; children Arthur J. Henry, Jr., April M. Owens (Marvin), Anthony R. Henry, and Lyon Q. Henry; stepdaughters Valarie Pryor, Tammy Langry, Aisha Barlow, and Tameka Barlow; stepsons Rashon Barlow, Sr., and Rajah Barlow; sisters Sharon Dantzler, Rev. Dr. Selina D. Carter, and Monica Mobley (Donald); 23 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends.