Joyce E Henry

“A Joy Filled Life” – Obituary Joyce E. Henry

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. Her children arise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. - Proverbs 31:10-12;26-31

Joyce Elaine Henry was born on December 24, 1956, to the late Joseph West Sr. and Rebecca Nancy West. She was a devoted sister to her brother Joseph Jr. who died at the age of 34.

She was baptized at the age of nine at Good Hope Baptist Church. Her love of Jesus Christ was apparent from the beginning. A concert of praise and thanksgiving evident as she let her light shine in her mission to lead others to Christ.

Joyce attended Cleveland Public Schools graduating from East Technical High School in 1974. While at East Tech, she was a member of several service organizations including the Gospel Choir, the Boosters Club and the Yearbook Committee. She was recognized for earning the highest number of service points in her graduating class. She attended Bowling Green State University and received her Bachelor of Social Work with a concentration in Criminal Justice. She later attended Kent State, earning a master’s in education. Joyce’s long and illustrious career included serving as an Educational Administrator, Therapist, Teacher, Counselor and Reading and Math Instructor. She retired from Lake Erie Preparatory School in 2024 having served as an Intervention Specialist.

On June 18, 1983, Joyce married the love of her life, Robert L. Henry III. This year they celebrated 42 years of marriage. Together, she and her husband sought to live as an example of love and commitment. They opened their heart and home to others.

Each year on New Year’s Day, they hosted an Open House. Fellowship, food and faith. It was time of celebrating the goodness of God.

Joyce was the loving and proud mother of sons Robert L. Henry IV (Latoya), and Jonathon Henry. She raised her niece Jozon West as her daughter and was stepmother to her Janae Nakia. Joyce was also the proud grandmother of three grandsons.

Joyce was a faithful member of the Liberty Hill Baptist Church. Over the course of her Christian journey, she was as member of: Good Hope Baptist, (serving as choir director choir and established the R.N. West annual scholarship in honor of her mother ); Greater Abyssinia Baptist, (serving for several years as the church radio announcer);and Greater Faith Baptist (where she and her husband facilitated the marriage ministry. churches. In each fellowship Joyce shared her gift of hospitality, kindness, and song through her beautiful and anointed singing voice.

Joyce lived out the meaning of her name. Joyce means “joy.” Joy was present in her smile. It radiated in her character. Joy was a feeling you had when in her presence. Her laugh could and did raise spirits. This merry heart did a soul well like medicine as the scripture says. Words of healing and wisdom. Loving favor and instruction were hers to impart. Joyce will be deeply missed by all who were blessed with her company. Joyce persevered against all odds leaving the world a better place.

God be with you joyful one until we meet again.

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” _Psalms 30:5

She leaves to celebrate her life, her husband Rev. Robert L. Henry III, sons Robert IV (Latoya), and Jonathon, Niece Jozon West, step daughter Janae Nikia, grandsons, Robert V “Cinco”, Semaj, and Necho; Godson, Terrence May; “Auntie” Anne Young; four sisters- in-law, Bernice (deceased), Delores (deceased) Patricia (Reginald), Laverne, four brothers-in-law, Theodore (deceased) Okolo Talib, Thomas (Eva), Larry (Levena) and Joseph and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friend