Mary Ann Henry

She retired from General Motors Truck & Bus and was a charter member of 16th Street Baptist Church/College Avenue Baptist Church/ Oasis of Hope Baptist Church, where she was an active member.

Mary Ann Henry, the eldest child of the late Lewis Dickerson and Sadie J Mumford Dickerson was born on May 7, 1924, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Mary Ann departed this life Wednesday February 3,2015 at I.U. Methodist Hospital, at the age of 90 years. She was preceded in death by a brother, Frank Radcliffe, Jr.

Her education within the Indianapolis Public School System; John Hope Elementary School #26 and graduation from historic Crispus Attucks in 1942 gave her the foundation for a productive and committed work ethic and a sense of purpose and direction for a dignified life. Her love for elegance and quality inspired her to take additional courses in Interior Design at Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis (I.U.P.U.I.).

Her first job at Hoosier Tarpaulin, where she made trampolines and tarps, utilized her training as a seamstress. Mary Ann’s eye for detail and excellence caught the attention of Fritz Duesenberg (son of one of the founders of the automobile company), with whom she occasionally worked on sewing slipcovers for some of the Duesenberg custom made cars; during the time when he was attempting to revive the Duesenberg Auto.

She retired from GM Truck & Bus after 20 years of service. The hard worker called “Sweet Mary” by her co-workers worked in the sewing room making seat covers. After the company downsized, little Mary as she was also called became a technician. Mary Ann left GM to take care of her ailing husband in 1991.

John L. Henry changed the pint-sized lady of distinction’s life forever. In 1959, the couple united in matrimony at the College Avenue Baptist Church where both were active members. John L, a widower brought to this union a beautiful 3 year old named Vivian Maxine Henry. Mary Ann’s caring and nurturing spirit made her a natural mother amongst the Henry / Harris families. This union lasted for 44 years. Her devotion to “Sugar”, as he was affectionately called made them a dynamic couple. She honored her vows for him in “through sickness and health”.

Believing the scripture that says “train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he “will not depart.” She has been a surrogate mother/grandmother to countless children. By providing unconditional love, support and wisdom, she has imparted discipline, knowledge and Godly instruction to children at Church and throughout the community. If you got pinched, had to choose “that switch” or got that love “tap”, you knew that you were loved Mary Ann style. She has been called Montee, Grandma, Gran Gran, Aunt Short, Aunt Mary and Ms. Mary Ann by all of her children. You would never go hungry at the Henry household. “Food to eat and food to go.”

A lady of integrity and Godly principles, she learned to love God and people early in life. She accepted Christ at Emmanuel Baptist Church as a child. Mary would often say, “my mother was a praying woman, who took me to church and laid the foundation for a life of dedicated service and Christian love.”

After the Emmanuel Church split, a new church was chartered, the 16th Street Baptist Church. Mary Ann was an active member in the church serving as secretary and singing in the choir. She also worked with the Youth. This faithful servant continued her work at College Avenue Baptist Church after the church relocated. She continued her life of giving to the body of Christ by being active in the Music Ministry, Youth leader, Women’s Day Chair, Children’s Ministry, plays, Special Program Director and Sunday School Teacher.

Her flair for beauty led her to use her God-given talent in decorating the church for holidays and special occasions. Weddings became one of her trademark blessings. She has been the wedding coordinator and planner for numerous couples. Exquisite quality was always the standard. The tither and obedient servant continued to bless the body of Christ. When the church relocated and changed its name to Oasis of Hope. She studied to show herself approved by attending Bible study, workshops and actively participating in the ministry of the church until the Lord called her home.

Mary supported the pastor and loved God’s Word. She prayed for others and fed them the word spiritually, physically and emotionally. Recently she was asked how she wanted to be remembered. Montee stated, “I love my family. I live one day at a time, and I thank God for all of my blessings. I thank Him for all of my trials and I am grateful I’m still here, but if I never live another day, my desire is to have touched somebody’s life with God’s love”.

Mary Ann leaves to cherish her memory: 1 brother, John Radcliffe, Indianapolis, IN; A daughter Vivian Maxine Henry; a Niece/ daughter Wendi Radcliffe Brown (Marcus Sr.) Washington Park, IL; 3 nephews / sons Forrest Scott Radcliffe(Tonya) Parma, OH; Jerry Radcliffe (Lisa),Washington Park, IL; Terris T. Radcliffe, Atlanta, GA; a stepson Vernice (Brenda) Gary, IN; 15 grandchildren, 2 Sisters-in-law, Florence Tyson, Waynesville, MO and Charlene Henry of Bowling Green, KY, a host of relatives, friends extended family and loved ones.

Her visitations will take place on Thursday, February 12, 2015, 4pm – 8pm and Friday, February 13, 2015, 10am – 12pm at Oasis of Hope Baptist Church. The Homegoing Service will take place on Friday at the Church at 12pm. The entombment will immediately follow at Crown Hill Cemetery.