Hannah R. Henry (Randall)

Mrs. Hannah Randall Henry was born in Odessa, DE, to the late Thomas and Hannah Whittington Randall. Her father was a Methodist minister and her mother was a housewife. She was the fifth child of five girls and four boys. Mrs. Henry’s elementary schooling took place in Olivet Hill, Galena, in Kent County, Maryland. She graduated from Garnett High School, Chestertown, MD. In 1930, she attended Bowie Normal School, graduating with a teaching certificate, in 1932. After attending summer school and taking management extension courses, she received her Bachelor of Science degree, in Elementary Education, from Morgan State College, in 1952. All of Mrs. Henry’s teaching was done in Caroline County beginning in 1934, in a one room school in Pinetown, MD. In 1935, she was transferred to Federalsburg, MD where she taught in the primary grades for four years. She was then transferred to Ridgley Elementary School. When the schools were integrated, she was the first African American teacher assigned to the previously all white Ridgley Elementary School, where she taught until she retired, in 1975. She gave a total of 41 years of dedicated service to the Caroline County School System. In June 1936, Hannah was united in holy matrimony to the love of her life, Mr. Colbert Henry, by her father, Rev. Thomas Randall. The beautiful union lasted for 65 years until Mr. Henry’s passing in October 2001. They helped raise two nieces and two nephews, Mrs. Mary “Betty” Coles of Philadelphia, PA, Mrs. Constance Wilkerson of Goldsboro, MD, the late Mr. George Randall of Baltimore, MD and the late Mr. Marvin Henry of Philadelphia, PA. Mrs. Henry accepted Christ at an early age. She joined Trinity AME Church in 1936, where she served as church secretary for 36 years. She also served as Sunday school teacher, choir member, trustee, steward, stewardess and president of the Missionary Society. In her spare time Mrs. Henry served in various branches of the Women’s Missionary Society. She was devoted to the Lord and her church, her faith was unwavering. Mrs. Henry was known to have a huge heart and a giving spirit, not only with her family, but within her community. She displayed this with her tremendous community involvement, earning numerous accolades. Her involvement included being a member of the Board of Directors Mental Health, American Cancer Society, Caroline County Library, The Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club, and Caroline County Retired Teachers Association. Mrs. Henry earned a League Award in 1978, Sojourner Truth Award in 1986, and an appreciation for social concern from the Christy Outreach Club in 1989. In 2009, the Trinity AME Church added her name to the Lottie Brooks Society, The society is now known as the Lottie Brooks/Hannah Henry Missionary Society. Mrs. Henry’s enjoyments were, spending time with family, listening to her church sermons, working on her puzzles, watching her soaps and game shows. Let us not forget her love for sweets! In July 2007, Mrs. Henry moved with her niece, Mary “Betty” Coles, to Philadelphia, PA where she resided until her passing. She was preceded in death by her siblings; husband, Colbert Henry and nephews, George Randall and Marvin Henry. She leaves to cherish her memory her sister-in-law, Mrs. Elizabeth Randall; nieces, Mrs. Mary “Betty” Coles and Mrs. Constance Wilkerson; and a nephew, Mr. Ellis Harcum; along with a host of great nieces, great nephews, and countless loved ones and friends. Mrs. Henry, a virtuous woman, exemplified God’s greatest commandment, Luke 10:27: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and,” Love your neighbor as yourself.” Mrs. Henry’s Godly influence will forever remain in our hearts.

Hannah R. Henry (Randall)

April 8, 1913 - January 21, 2021