Henry A. Kennedy

The family relocated moved from Mississippi to Illinois to be close to Helen’s family. In 1942, the family moved from Illinois to Cassopolis, Michigan, and purchased a 10-acre farm. Henry and his siblings Lucius Jr, Claude, Helen, Henrietta, and Eugene enjoyed life on the farm and fellowship with the family. In 1945, Elder John Collins introduced the Present Truth (The Three Angels’ Message) to Henry’s Uncle, Wilbur (Helen’s oldest brother). Uncle Wilbur shared the Present Truth message with his family and the family accepted the message and became Seventh-day Adventists.

Henry learned at an early age, (instilled by his grandmother) to “work and pray, to cook and clean, have strong values, go to church, and be thankful for everything.” In 1954, the family migrated from Michigan

to Pasadena, California to be near relatives and pursue Christian education. Henry adored and cared for each of his siblings, Lucius Jr., Claude, Helen, Henrietta, Eugene, and Alvin (born in California), Gerald, Eleanore, and Courtland.

Shortly after moving to California, Henry, along with his cousin Marvin Hodges Jr. and friend, Kenneth Blake, got in trouble with the law. They were playing tennis at Brookside Park which is near the aquatic center. On this particular day, after playing tennis, it was really hot and the three of them wanted to go swimming in the pool, which was fenced off. All climbed the fence and jumped in the pool.

This resulted with the authorities draining the pool, because blacks were not allowed in the pool.

In 1960, Henry earned an Associate of Arts Degree in Engineering and Technology and received a Certificate of Completion for Machine Shop. In 1979, Henry became an entrepreneur, starting his own business as a “handyman” and private contractor, providing service to many people and businesses. Henry worked “as needed” for the Trust Department of Southern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventist. Henry and his cousin Alfred Hampton built, moved, repaired, and tore down homes.

He was a man of many trades and talents.

Henry enjoyed working for his Uncle Henry (Helen’s older brother) “in Illinois,” who owned a Taxicab business, cleaning taxi cabs. Henry’s first job was working for Thrifty café as a second cook, dishwasher, and waiter. His duties were to make salads, cutting fruits and veggies. Henry would arrive to work early to ensure the dishes were clean and the tables and chairs were set up. Henry would make the morning coffee. The café was open all day, serving Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. From this day forward Henry has not desired to eat out at restaurants, because he saw how food was prepared and served. Henry, to this day, still has the knife he used while working at Thirty café.

Henry attended Glendale Union Academy and graduated in June 1958, now known as, Glendale Adventist Academy. Henry developed a love for cars and could repair and service any make or model. His first car was a 1957 Pontiac and because of his skills and talents, he maintained and took great are of all cars in the household. Henry was athletic and enjoyed going to the Dodger games with his father Henry Jones. He grew fond of bowling and was part of a local bowling league with his wife. Althea and his good buddy Donald Jamison. He bowled twice a week in a league and was open to be a substitute if needed. Henry was an amazing bowler. Henry has won bowling tournament trophies that speak to his dedication and skill.

Henry’s faith and love for God was evident to all who met him. Henry attended Sabbath School and was always ready to joyfully share all the great things God had done for him! He passionately served God as a faithful church member, operated the PA system, deacon, security team member, transportation, and custodian of the Altadena SDA Church for nearly 60 years. He served on the media team distributing tapes and CDs to the sick and shut-in, and others who requested them. He served with the treasury team and made the church deposits weekly. He traveled from nursing home to nursing home as part of the Singing Band ministering to those confined to skilled facilities. He found joy in serving and helping others through the Food Bank ministry of the church. Henry was a humble and selfless man. He excelled in everything he did and he executed every job with excellence. He never wanted recognition for his service or accomplishments.

Henry fell asleep in Christ Jesus at this home in Altadena, California on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, holding his beloved wife, Althea’s hand and surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Lucius Lynwood Kennedy, Sr., Helen Jones, and Henry Jones; his sister, Helen Alexander; his brother Gerald Jones; his sister-in-law, Wanda Kennedy; his niece Susie Lewis, his nephews Robin Kennedy, Sr., and Pastor Stephen Lewis.

Henry is survived by his loving wife, Althea; his son, Arthur; his daughter, Sylvia; his grandchildren, Anthony Jr. (Teiko), Jennifer, Timothy (Da’Kecia); great-grandchildren: Isaiah, Kaori, Zion, Taniya, Kai, Olivia; his siblings: Lucius Jr., Claude, Henrietta (Donnell), Eugene, Alvin (Semira), Eleanore, and Courtland; his aunt, Estella Greene, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many loving friends.

A visitation for Henry will be held Monday, April 29, 2024 from 9:00 am to 10:00 am at Altadena

Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2609 Lincoln Ave, Altadena, CA 91001, followed by a religious

ceremony from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Henry will be laid to rest in Pierce Brothers Valhalla Memorial Park, 10621 Victory Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91606. Graveside Service to take place at 1:00 pm.