Henry Alfred Warner

Henry Alfred Warner, the second child of C. B. and Susie B. Warner, was born on January 31, 1938, in Port Gibson, Mississippi. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at an early age and became a devoted member of Christian Chapel Church in Port Gibson.

During his high school years, Henry made local history as the first Black mail carrier in Port Gibson. After graduating, he earned a football scholarship as a running back to Bishop College in Marshall, Texas, where he met his loving wife, Myrtle Faye Matthews. Upon receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education, Henry and Myrtle united in marriage and began a beautiful journey together that would span 64 years. Their union was blessed with five children.

Henry dedicated his career to education and athletics. He taught mathematics and coached football and basketball at Roosevelt High School for three years before joining Bryan Adams High School, where he taught and coached for 29 years. In addition to his classroom and coaching responsibilities, he faithfully drove the school bus before and after school each day. He also worked nights at Mrs. Baird’s Bakery, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to providing for his family.

Henry was deeply cherished in his community. He loved playing football with the neighborhood children in the street, and they adored him for the time, patience, and joy he shared with them. Whenever the family traveled on vacation, Henry often brought along a neighborhood child or a family friend’s child, extending his generosity and sense of belonging to others.

Though friendly and well‑loved, Henry was also a quiet soul at heart. He found peace in solitude and developed a deep love for plants. His greenhouse became his sanctuary, and he spent countless hours tending to his backyard. His meticulous care for his lawn became well known—people would drive by just to admire the beauty he created.

Henry enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and never passed up an opportunity to challenge anyone to a spirited game of dominoes—usually with the intention of winning.

In 2005, Henry united with Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. Although his health later prevented him from serving in ministry, his faith remained steadfast throughout his life.

Preceding him in departing this life to rest are his parents, C. B. Warner and Susie B. Warner; his brother, Julius Warner; his sisters, Myrtle Warner James and Brenda Newsome; his granddaughter, Ebony Warner; and a number of other beloved relatives.

Left to cherish his beautiful memory are his devoted wife of 64 years, Myrtle Faye Warner; his brother, Charles (Jeanie) Newsome of Longview, TX; his sister Patricia Wilson of Vicksburg, MS; and his children: Henrietta Phelps (Orlando) of Hermanville, MS; Anthony Warner (Teresa) of Round Rock, TX; Jacqueline Johnson (Timothy) of DeSoto, TX; Gregory Warner (Weijing) of Grand Prairie, TX; and Kenneth Warner of Dallas, TX. He is also lovingly remembered by his 13 grandchildren—Yolanda, Stephanie, Angela, Keymond, Destynee, Kenneth Jr, Kendhal, Autumn, Amber, Eric, Myles, Kyra, and Leyton—along with 8 great‑grandchildren, extended family, neighbors, former students, and countless friends whose lives were touched by his kindness, humility, and unwavering dedication. Henry’s legacy of love, service, and quiet strength will continue to live on in all who knew him.