Mr. Henry Clay White

In Remembrance Of Our Beloved Henry Clay White: Henry (Perry) Clay White was born to Joanna White on May 10, 1937 in Roberta, Georgia. Fletcher White, Joanna White’s husband, passed away before Henry’s birth. When Henry was approximately four years old he contracted polio. The disease left him with a physical disability which made it impossible for him to attend school in his rural community. His mother knew Henry needed to have an education to build a future for himself so she moved the family to Detroit, Michigan where Henry would be able to attend a special school. Henry went on to graduate from Cass Technical High School where he gained training in drafting and mechanical drawing. While Henry was in high school he met a very special young lady, Bessie Mae Doty. Bessie would play a very important role in the rest of Henry’s life. After graduation from high school, Henry was awarded a scholarship to attend the University of Detroit. However, Henry found himself distracted by a certain young lady, one Bessie Mae. Henry and Bessie were married on May 13, 1961. The birth of their first child, Tracy Lynn, followed soon after. Henry worked for the city of Detroit as part of the Public Lighting Commission and during that time he and Bessie welcomed two more children, Perry Heldon and Dana Joyce, to their rapidly expanding family. In 1965, Henry became one of the first three African-American draftsmen for Cadillac Motors. He would remain an employee of General Motors for the next 27 years. In 1968, Henry, a lifelong atheist, accepted Christ into his heart. Excited about his new relationship with God, he shared his faith with his wife, Bessie. The two were baptized together in February, 1969 and became members of the Worldwide Church of God. Bessie, who earlier vowed she would never marry a minister, faithfully stood by Henry’s side as he was ordained as a deacon and later a preaching elder. Henry was a reluctant preacher; his true passion was serving the fatherless, widows, and any youth he could help. He preferred serving quietly behind the scenes. Henry and Bessie continued to be fruitful and multiply, bringing Hope Leticia, David Scott, Jennifer Beth, and Joanna Lynn into the family fold. After his retirement from General Motors, Henry worked for the Southfield School District for another 11 years, joyfully busing children, many with special needs, to and from school. He was beloved by the children on his route. After full retirement, Henry enjoyed gardening with Bessie, reading, traveling South during the cold months, visiting those in need, studying the Word of God, and keeping his spades, bid whist and UNO skills sharp for the annual family reunion. He enjoyed sitting in the backyard watching the fruits of his labors with his beloved wife, Bessie. He especially loved times when he was surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. On Tuesday, January 17, 2017, Henry transitioned from this life after two years of declining health. His wife and son, Perry, were by his side.

Mr. Henry Clay White

May 10, 1937 - January 17, 2017