Vera Henry

The Celebration of Life honoring the life and legacy of Mrs. Vera Skinner Henry, beloved educator and well-known citizen will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at St. John Missionary Baptist Church(St. John) at 11:00 a.m.  Rev. Steven Conley will serve as officiant of the services.  The interment will follow in St. John Cemetery.  Visitation for Mrs. Henry will be held on Friday evening, July 7, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at  St. John.  In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that a donation in honor of Mrs. Henry be made to Southern University and A&M college (Southern University) at the link provided: https://foundation.sus.edu/vera-louis-henry-memorial-fund

*************************************************************************************************************************************************

"A Celebration of Life"

Vera was born in Tallulah, LA, on September 3, 1926, to Corinne and John Skinner.  One of nine children born to the Skinner union, Vera was just a toddler when both of her parents passed away.  Vera would be blessed because her father’s first cousin, Essie Butler and her spouse, Eddie adopted Vera and her cousin Trent as their own. 

Vera enrolled in Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA.  She graduated from Southern with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics. She received advanced degrees from Grambling State University and the University of Louisiana in Monroe.

For over 50 years, Vera was married to Louis C. Henry, who preceded her in death.  They were the parents of six children: Louis C. Henry, Jr. (Brenda), Eddie B. Henry (Jeri), Lee O. Henry (Dottie), Essie M. Smith (Alfonso), Debra J. Dyson (Kenneth) and Vera R. Ingram (Tyrous).  She was a doting grandmother to 18 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.  She loved and treasured Betty Holmes and her children as her own. She and Louis instilled in their children the love for God and family, education, and community commitment.

Vera delighted in helping young people reach their full potential. She tutored neighborhood children in math and reading until she was in her late eighties.  Her hobbies included journaling, reading, cooking, collecting recipe books and working in her vegetable and flower gardens. She loved traveling to see a good musical.   Vera was even taught to play video games by her grandchildren.

Vera and Louis Henry, Sr. were active members of the St. John Missionary Baptist Church where she served on the Deaconess Board.  She was a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Place Aux Dames Civic and Social Club, and the National Association of University Women.

On Wednesday, June 28, 2023,  Vera Skinner Henry, beloved mother, grandmother, educator and conscientious citizen shed her earthly raiments, and went home to be with her God.

"Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.'"

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Vera Henry, please visit our floral store.