Henry R. Person

Henry Person born to Frances Crawford and Lenward Person on July 24, 1938, both parents, ten siblings and one son all preceded him in death.

Growing up in a very strict and religious family, Henry was the 11th child from a family of 15.  Attending church was a must and not an option. Henry became saved at the age of 11, and though enjoying life to the fullest, he never forgot who he was and who he belonged to, which is God.

Henry loved sports and music of all kinds.  Henry played basketball in junior high and high school and was good at it. The Cleveland Browns were his favorite team, and he would be waiting for the benediction at church to get home in time to watch the game. Henry thought he could sing but that was a dream not a reality. He was very popular in school, which brings me to the next phase of his life.

Henry married his southern and high school sweetheart, Annye Collins and from this union, one daughter, Renee was born.  Though they did not birth any more children, Annye embraced and loved Henry’s other two daughters, Rhonda and Vanessa. As time passed, the marriage was dissolved and both went their separate ways, yet remaining friends and co-parents.

Henry was outgoing and handsome.  He later met and married Donna Richards and from this union no children were born; however, Donna’s daughter, Felicia was added to the list of girls that he raised since  she was 5 years old. He remained married to Donna until the Lord called him home.

Henry had a passion for traveling. The Crawford Family Reunion was a must go for Henry for over 46 years, but his favorite place was Tuskegee, Alabama.  Wherever he went, he was loved and adored by all.  The President and Vice President of the 2022 reunion in Atlanta, Georgia voted him the “Crawford King” and he never let us forget his place in the family.

Henry lived in Cleveland for the last 67 years and was the Usher President for Elizabeth Baptist Church for 39 years as President. He was always a faithful member attending EBC.

It’s time to say so long brother Person from all of us until we meet again.  He leaves to cherish his love and memory his wife, Donna; three daughter, Rhonda, Renee, and Vanessa; one stepdaughter, Felicia; one brother, Leon (Glory); 3 sisters, Helen Honey, Eva Cook, and Rubye Jones; one nephew, who grew up with us and he loved like a son, Kenneth Person and Herman Ezell, Jr.

Henry had many grandchildren and great grandchildren, 36 nieces and nephews 39 great-nieces and nephews, 27 great-great nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

WOW, AMEN

Humbly Submitted by the family

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