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Henry Whitehead Obituary
Born in Rocky Mount, N.C., and reared in Richmond, Va., he was the youngest of four children born to the late Henry and Lucy Odell Whitehead. Early on in the church, community, and at Armstrong High School, he exhibited traits that would help to define him as a special human being-thoughtfulness, integrity, objectivity, laughter, loyalty, responsibility, open-mindedness, compassion, honesty, an excellent listening ear, and a touch of wisdom. The most significant decision he ever made occurred in 1956: he accepted Christ as his Savior. On Dec. 13, 1956, he was baptized by Rev. R.L. Taylor of Fourth Baptist Church (Richmond).
Attending Hampton Institute (Hampton University) yielded another opportunity for Whitehead to continue weaving his tapestry of friendships. Hampton Institute was also where Whitehead would meet his future wife, Barbara Ann Moore of Aiken, S.C.; they married in 1965. Shortly thereafter, he joined the Army, served a tour of duty in Vietnam and received an honorable discharge. After employment with Western Electric in Washington, D.C., in 1968 he joined the staff of Virginia Associated Research Center (VARC) of Newport News, Va. With this hiring by William & Mary, he was the only African American employee actively engaged in the day-to-day operation of the science program.
In 1995, the Black History Month Committee of Jefferson Lab awarded him a Special Recognition Award 'for his dedication to science and the African-American community.' In the community, he reached out to others in a number of ways, including being a Big Brother and supporting political candidates with agendas of justice, enlightenment, and human decency. Henry enjoyed a variety of sports, music, and art. He also liked photography. Some examples of his commissioned work hang on display at Jefferson Lab.
Leaving to mourn his absence are his wife, Barbara; three children, Ina, Norris (Angela), and Martin; two grandchildren, Niya, and Isaiah; two sisters, Mary Chambers (Lacey) and Dorothy Whitehead; one brother, Robert Whitehead Sr.; and a wonderful extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins. He also leaves behind a host of friends.
A public viewing will take place from 12 to 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15, at the funeral home. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, at First Baptist Church of Hampton. Interment will follow at Hampton Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the Whitehead family would appreciate donations be made in memory of Brother Whitehead to the Patterson-Gaines Memorial Chapel Renovation Project in care of First Baptist Church of Hampton, 229 North King St., Hampton, VA 23669.
Arrangements by Ronald C. Perkins Funeral Home, Ronald C. Perkins Jr., funeral director. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Henry Whitehead
June Davis
September 12, 2008
To the Whitehead Family,
Mr. Whitehead touched so many of our hearts and souls. He was like a father figure, and one of the best friends anyone could ever have to me and my children.He will be missed terribly. My deepest condolences to all of you.
-June Davis and family, Hampton and Washington DC.
Steve Dutton
August 28, 2008
Barbara & Family,
It was a privilege and a pleasure to work with Henry the past 8 years. He was a mentor and a great friend,I will miss him very much.Henry was a artisan in the workplace and a great craftsman,electronic fabricator.Most of all I will miss his warm personallity and laughter.
Tom Hassler
August 25, 2008
Henry was a kind, caring soul who was a pleasure to know and work with at Jefferson Lab. He was always calm at tense times and was a father figure to the young workers in his work group. He presence is missed at the Lab, My condolences to his family, where I am sure he is missed even more. .
Jim Coleman
August 22, 2008
Henry was one of those very rare people who easily and quickly connected with so many others...and at so many levels...and in such a warm and personal manner. He helped bring out the best in all who knew and worked with him.
Steve Singleton
August 19, 2008
Henry was one of a kind. I enjoyed talking and joking with Henry over the years. He will be missed.
Philip Adderley
August 19, 2008
On behalf of the Contraband Historical Society and as a Jefferson Lab employee I would like to extend sincere condolences to the Whitehead Family. Henry was a father figure to me, providing valuable information to my inquiries about Hampton's history.
May God bless and keep you.
Bennie & Norma Steele
August 18, 2008
May you find peace and comfort in the days ahead. Continue to keep your faith in God.
Julie Bennett (formerly Oyer)
August 18, 2008
I just heard of Henry's passing and am truly sad to learn he is no longer with us. Henry always greeted us girls at the Lab with a smile and those one-armed hugs that would drawf us! He always had a kind word to say. The Whitehead family should be very proud to have had him as a husband, father, brother, etc. I was proud to have him as a friend. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Donald W. Jones, Ph.D.
August 18, 2008
To The Family of The Late
Mr. Henry Whitehead, Jr.
I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Henry. Henry was a kind and thoughtful individual. May God continue to bless you during this very difficult time.
Hampton Institute (Hampton University) Classmate.
Donald W. Jones, Ph.D.
Lydia Arrington
August 17, 2008
May you be sustained by the memories of the years you were blessed to share and find comfort in knowing that your loved one is resting at the feet of his Lord and Savior.
Julie Leverenz
August 17, 2008
Henry was a fine, courtly gentleman, and it was a privilege to work with him at Jefferson Lab.
My sincere condolences to the family.
August 15, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult period of your lives. May the peace of God sustain you.
HI classmate
Lillian E. Small, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Wallace T. Ford Jr.
August 15, 2008
Across the miles, the highways and byways of life, friendships, hopes, dreams and aspirations have been borne and passed on. It seems Henry’s dreams gave more joy than pain; hope than disdain; and in the words of my late pastor the Rev. Dr. CAW Clark Sr. (we relish that):
“The Lord gives and the Lord takes’; but He never takes before he gives, and even then He never takes all”.
May God’s grace and mercy comfort you and yours, at this and in the times to come, knowing that when our problems overwhelm us, He wants us to look to Him!
Odis Johnson
August 15, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your at this time of grief. Herry and I wery very close while in school. I will always keep him in my memory.
Gladys H. Fleming
August 15, 2008
My condolences to Henry's family. Henry was a classmate, Armstrong High School, 1958. Just recently, we reconnected by e-mail. I will keep you in my prayers. Gladys Hawkins Fleming, Richmond, Virginia
Walter Lacy
August 15, 2008
When God calls his children, we are sometimes left to wonder why must they leave us now. Although our hearts are burden with the reality that we have lost a dear friend, advisor, leader and motivator, we must always remember the lessons that we have learned and enjoy the moments that we have shared with them. My condolences to the Whitehead family, may you find joy in knowing that Henry has touched so many people that his spirit will live on through them, as well as yourselves.
Art Williams
August 15, 2008
My condolences to Henry's family. I knew Henry from our days at Hampton Institute, as we chatted at length from time to time.We re-connected by e-mail about a year ago and I learned that he was undergoing chemo. I will miss Henry. Art Williams, West Bloomfield, Michigan
Ken Worland
August 15, 2008
There is a void at the lab that will never be filled. Henry was loved by all that had the pleasure to work with him, he was a dedicated worker, mentor and friend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Whitehead family.
Danny Machie
August 15, 2008
May the God of all comfort be close to your family and bless you and help you through this time. I've worked with Henry at Jefferson Lab many times through the years and have always admired his gentleness and kindness. He would always bless us with his encouraging words and ways. He will be greatly missed.
Dave Bigelow
August 15, 2008
Henry was the nicest and most genuine person I have ever met. I am deeply sorry for your loss. May God bless your family.
Jean Hall-Dabney
August 15, 2008
Mrs. Whitehead and family,
My prayers and sympathy are with you from Richmond at this time. Henry was my classmate at Armstrong High School, Class of 1958.
Henrietta Pauley
August 14, 2008
Barbara and Family,
Please accept my sincere sympathy at the demise of your loved one. We were students together at Hampton, he was a true jewel.My God strengthen
you and yours.
August 14, 2008
Our prayers are with you at this time. The thoughts of the friendship developed, from high school through college, are very consoling at this time. Henry and I always shared the expression as to who was "The Greatest". Only he and I would understand this expression for it made us very close. Although we did not see each other that often, we always new where each other was . Henry will never be forgotten.
God Bless The Whitehead Family,
Ligar and Peggy Brazil
Margaret Sykes
August 14, 2008
Dear Deacon Whitehead and family.I was truly saddened when you called to say that Brother Whitehead had left us.I
truly understand the walk you took through his long illness.
Be assured that God loved him so much that he would not allow him to suffer any longer
Be strong and look forward to the time your spirits will greet each other again.
Peace and love to each of you.
Margaret Sykes
Pamela Pleasants
August 14, 2008
Barbara, Ina, Norris and Martin:
I'm sorry that I am unable to attend Henry's service. Please know that I send my love and sincere condolences to the family. Whitehead was a wonderful Godfather to me and I pray that your memories will bring you some peace and sustain you during this difficult time.
Kermit and Kristy Buggs
August 14, 2008
Dear Whitehead Family,
My deepest sympathy is with you. I am deeply saddened by your loss and apologize for not being able to make it home to the funeral. Mr. Whitehead was a second father to me and I truly enjoyed every afternoon and evening I spent at the Whitehead house as a child and teenager. My wife and I will continue to keep the family in prayer.
God Bless,
Elizabeth Brooks-Evans
August 14, 2008
To the family of Henry Whitehead:
Please accept my heartfelt condolences over the loss of Henry. I was a student with him at Hampton (Institute) University and found him to be a very sincere and likable person. I didn't keep up with him over the years so while it was so very sad to learn of his passing, it was truly heart-rendering to read his exceptional obituary. May God grant all of you in his family as well as his extended family and dear friends, the strength you need to bear this great loss.
With deep sympathy, Elizabeth (Goods) Brooks-Evans HU '61
August 14, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. Henry was a wonderful friend and colleague he will be sadly missed. God Bless.
Mr. & Mrs. Douglas E. Tilles
Stella Grant
August 14, 2008
Dear Whitehead Family,
Just heard of the loss of your husband, father and grandfather and am extending my heartfelt condolences at this trying time.
May the memory of his many kindnesses and his love for each of you help you through this difficult time. God's blessings to you all.
Doug Tilles
August 14, 2008
My Dad and I share your sorrow for the loss of such a wonderful man. My Dad worked at VARC in the old days and know Henry well. I also have many fine memories of Henry. We all will miss him.
Doug Tilles
Bonnie Madre
August 14, 2008
This was sad news. I always enjoyed talking with Henry, especially about 60's folk music (and music in general). He always had a kind word and a smile and a great sense of humor. He will be missed very at Jefferson Lab. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Jeff Campbell
August 14, 2008
I loved talking to Henry about sports and work.I will miss him deeply.I'm sure he is in a better place now.God Bless....
Dessadra Lomax
August 14, 2008
Whitehead Family,
I thank you for sharing "Whitehead" with my family. He was a dear friend to my late mother (Barbara Lomax), always a great support to my family and a remarkable listening ear.
We will never forget him.
Love & Peace.
Debra Douglas
August 14, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I meant Henry in 2001 when I moved there to work at Jefferson Lab on a two year assignment. I spoke to Henry from time to time after I moved back to Tennessee. Henry was a great person and a good friend. I didn’t know anyone when I first moved there and it didn’t take long to see that he would always listen and no matter the situation he could always make you smile. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
August 14, 2008
love
CARRIE ROBINSON
August 14, 2008
BARBARA, my heart and prayers are with you and the children during this trying time with the loss of your husband Henry...even though I am unable to be there with you in person , I am truly there with you in spirit . As always, hold on to Gods unchanging hand & he will never fail you, he will see you thru....with heartfelt sympathy.....Carrie L. Robinson
Leonard Page
August 14, 2008
With the wealth of wisdom and knowledge Henry shared with me. I remember most that your family your wife and your children are the most important people in your life.He prove that well.
Henry your ancestor will be proud.
Heart felt condolences to the family.
Jim Gordon
August 14, 2008
I had the true pleasure of working with and learning so many things from Henry over the past 6 years. One can only hope to leave a legacy of touching so many people's live the way Henry did. He was a gentleman.
wanda seawell
August 14, 2008
To Marty and family:
Our prayers are with you and your family with the passing of your father. Let the Joy of the Lord be your Strength. Much Love Billy, Terry and Mama Wanda Seawell
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