Mary Lee Henry

Mary Lee (Raphel) Henry

Life’s Beginning…

Mary Lee Henry, affectionately known to many as “May Lee” or “Big May” was born May 29, 1939 in Shreveport (Caddo Parish), Louisiana. She was one of nine children born to the union of Mariah (Sudds) Raphel and Alphonso Raphel.

Mary Lee grew up in DeSoto and Caddo Parish, where her daily walks to public school—covering many miles—fostered her perseverance and passion for learning. Her faith and community were an important part of her life. She accepted Christ early in life and was baptized at Friendship Baptist Church in Shreveport.

Early in life, Mary married Lewis Henry and he preceded her in death in 2018. Together they were blessed with four children: Roy Lee Henry, Ray Earl Henry, Delores Henry and Robert Earl Henry. As a young man, Lewis found gainful employment in Los Angeles, California and once settled, he brought the family from Shreveport to California during the early 1960’s. After becoming a single parent at a young age, Mary demonstrated dedication and professionalism in the housekeeping industry while supporting her family. Through hard work and faith, she instilled in her children the strong values of perseverance, resilience and integrity.

Mary found joy in life’s small pleasures. She was admired for her elegance, grace, and keen sense of fashion, always enjoying shopping for and wearing the latest styles. Also, she was known for her warm hospitality and love of cooking. Her home was often filled with delicious meals, laughter and the comforting presence of family and neighbors. She enjoyed family time, particularly on trips to Las Vegas for her birthday and special occasions while visiting her sons there. Mary had a deep appreciation and passion for gospel music. Her favorite gospel recording artist, Lee Williams, filled her days with songs and inspiration. She cherished the vibrant time spent watching her son Roy play the saxophone with her beloved nieces, Ella and Linda; as well as her brother, Pete and her longtime friend, Chris Cooper of Oklahoma, with whom she shared countless conversations.

Throughout her life, Mary Lee Henry was known for her strength, kindness and unwavering love of family and friends. Her legacy of faith, joy and resilience continues and lives on in all who were blessed to know and love her.

Life’s Departure…

On Saturday, October 4, 2025 in Los Angeles, the angel of death touched and sealed the lips of our beloved mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, cousin and friend at the blessed age of 86 years. In that same touch, the Angel of Peace led her to higher ground where she will forever be at rest in the Lord.

Those Who Remain…

Cherishing her memory are the survivors: Her brother, Retired U.S. Army 1SG Pete Raphel (Delores) of Lawton, Oklahoma; her children: Roy Lee Henry (Yolanda), Ray Earl Henry of Las Vegas, Nevada, Delores Henry of Los Angeles, California and Robert Earl Henry (Katrina) of Las Vegas, Nevada; her grandchildren: Delores Johnson (Floyd), Marcus Henry, Whitney Hall (Corey), Brianna Henry, Marisa T. Henry (Tiarra), Brian Wade, Latrice Wade, Robert Early Henry, Jr., and Ryan Henry. She also is survived by ten great-grandchildren; a host of nephews, nieces, great nephews and nieces, cousins, other relatives; and a special friend, Chris Cooper of Oklahoma—who will truly miss her.

Those Gone On Before…

She is also preceded in death by her parents: Her father, Alphonse Raphel (1968); her mother, Mariah Sudds Raphel (1975); four brothers: James Raphel (1969), Willie Raphel (1989), Alton Raphel (2007), Marcel Raphel (2015); three sisters: Ola Mae Mitchell (1966), Minnie Lee Baker (1998), and Ruth Raphel (2012), a sibling who died at birth; grandson: Army Pfc Raymond L. Henry (KIA 2006); all of her maternal and paternal grandparents, aunts, uncles; numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins