Vallye Merle Henry

from obituary

Valley Merle Henry-Jones, the first daughter of four children born to the late Clarence and Robbie Henry of Longview, Texas, transitioned to her new life on Wednesday morning, January 24, 2007.

She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Red Oak Baptist Church by Rev. J.E. Johnson.

Vallye attended elementary and high school in Longview, Texas and attended Prairie View A&M University. After graduation, she moved to San Francisco, California, married and began a family.

In pursuit of her career she moved to Houston, Texas and was employed by Texas Southern University. She united with the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church where she was an active member and served in various capacities. She also worked for Dow Chemical in Houston, Texas. Vallye returned to Longview in 1986 to take care of her loving mother, Mrs. Robbie Henry. She reunited with Red Oak Baptist Church, serving as secretary to the Pastor, Announcing Clerk, Wedding Coordinator, Tribal Leader, Chairman of the Condolence Committee, member of the Food Service Committee, and Pastor's Aide. In the community, Vallye served as assistant secretary for the NAACP and president of Perry Clay Chapel Cemetery Association.

She loved to share her God given talent of singing. Being a part of the church choir was a priority for her in every church she joined. Not only was she a tenorette in the Family Mass Choir and Woman's Chorus, she also sang with the East Texas Baptist-Longview District Association Choir, Gospel Music Workshop of America--local, state, and national choirs.

She retired from the Kilgore Independent School District in May, 1998 and returned as a regular substitute until her demise.

She was preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Robbie Henry, daughter Barbara Harris, sister Mae Evelyn Callahan, and sister-in-law Alma Jean Henry.

Left to cherish her memory: Daughter, Debra (Brian) Dorsey, Frederick, MD, Brothers: Clifford (Mary) Henry, Elk Grove, CA, and Walter Henry, Longview, TX. Grandchildren: Kassie, Kristen and Teven Dorsey, Frederick, MD. Nephews: Donald Henry, Warzell (Carol) Henry, Michael (Marion ) Henry, all of Longview, TX, Clifford (Karen) Henry, Jr., Rockdale, Australia and Kareem Callahan, Sacramento, CA. Nieces: Gwendolyn Henry, San Francisco, CA and Marilyn Waters, Elk Grove, CA. Ten great-nieces, Four great-nephews, two great-great nieces, four great-great nephews and a host of other relatives and friends