Rev.Otis "Zeke" Henry was born on October 2, 1934 to the late Otis Henry and Harriett Elizabeth Mondy. Harriet later married Curtis Owens who raised him in the Varnado Community. He was baptized at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church at an early age under the leadership of Rev. B.B. Moses. He was ordained a minister in 1970. He joined Sunlight Missionary Baptist Church in Sandy,Ms. He later joined and became assistant Pastor of the Gospel Tent and Church, Inc. of Jesus Christ (Holliness). He was active member until his health failed.
On Friday, April 27, 2012 the Angel of the Lord called him home at the age of 77. He attended Jones Creek Elementary and graduated from Wesley Ray High School in 1957. He joined the Army in 1957. He received an honorable discharge.
After returning home he united in marrriage to Mae Bell Lewis until 1983. To that union they had eight children. Stepdaughter, Marilyn (Johnny) Hayes, Dallas, Texas; Evelyn Henry Young, Memphis, Tn. Raymond (Irene) Henry, Varnado, La. Welton Henry, Augusta, Ga; Doretha (Anthony) Monix, Memphis, Tn.; Minister Donald (Melanie) Henry, Jacksonville, Arkansas, Otis Delinzy Henry, Jackson, Ms. and Ethon Charles Henry, Varnado, La. He raised a grandson, Raymond Henry, Jr., Fort Bliss, Tx.
Otis was employed with Student Bay/Green Giant in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Upon returning home he hauled paperwood. He was later employed with Crown Zellebach until he retired.
One of his biggest missions in life was to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. He believed in helping those who needed financial support. One of his ministries was to help those imprisoned, strangers, family and friends. He was a good counselor in the community and would reference the bible to make his point.
Otis is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Ray Steven Owens, and Orchel Peters; three (3) sisters, Emma Marie Peters, Merlean Holden, and Grace Forrest.
He leaves to cherish his memories his eight (8) children, thirteen (13) grandchildren, four (4) great grand children, two (2) sisters, Helen (Lonnie) Lewis, Varnado, La.; Rita Von (James) Lewis, Slidell, La. one (1) aunt Amie Jackson, Bogalusa, La. a dear grandson, Raymond Henry, Jr. (E-4) Army, Fort Bliss, Tx; devoted nieces, Janice Lewis, Varnado, La. Carolyn Lewis Davenport, Missouri City, Texas, and caregiver Bobby J. Sartin, Varnado, La. and a host of nieces nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation will be Friday, May 4 at Cook-Richmond. 2-6p.m. Family Hour.6-7p.m.
Funeral Service Saturday, May 5 at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. Linza ray Cotton, Officiating. www.cookrichmondfuneralhome.com or cookrichmond@facebook.com