Henry Jefferson Genwright

Henry Jefferson Genwright was born in Centenary, South Carolina, on Friday, June 4, 1937, to Wade and Hattie Genwright.

He went home to be with the Lord on Friday, May 2, 2025, in Christiana Hospital, Newark, Delaware.

Henry was the seventh of ten children. He received his childhood education from the Zion School District, and attended Palmetto High School in Williamston, South Carolina. Henry was the oldest son left at home, so he worked on the farm with his father. All of Henry's older brothers left to go north for better opportunities and he wished to travel north to do the same. After high school, he left for Chester, Pennsylvania with two of his brothers, Sylvester and Ulysses. Henry was eager to start his new life with his soon-to-be bride. He found work and a small apartment. Henry, then, traveled back to South Carolina to marry his sweetheart, Janie Ruth Coleman, on December 24, 1958.

Once settled in Chester, PA, the newlyweds joined Bethany Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Daniel A. Scott, in 1959. Shortly after joining, Henry and Janie welcomed three children: Henry Jerome, Kasia Ann, and Kevin Allen (who preceded his father in death). Henry worked for many companies: Franca Buick, B.J. Price, Shane Packing Company, Phoenix Steel, and finally, retired from Acro. Henry also trained in drafting & design, took public law courses, and attended the American Detective Training School. Yes, Henry trained as a detective, and no: Janie would not allow him to become one.

The couple eventually moved to Wilmington, Delaware, in 1979, with their three children. Here, Henry found his dream home. God had shown him a house on a hill. He found that house on the hill and took excellent care of it, inside and out. Henry enjoyed being outside and making his house on the hill beautiful with flowers and perfectly trimmed trees. Henry loved his cars as well. Up until 2024, neighbors would stop to talk to “the man with the beautiful lawn and shining cars.”

Not only was he a gardener and car aficionado, but Henry was also multi- talented. He was a superb artist who could draw and paint. This is a talent that his sons, Jerome and Kevin, both inherited. Henry also played multiple instruments. He played the organ for his home church choir, as well as the guitar, the violin, the trumpet, and the saxophone.

Anyone who knew Henry knew just how much he loved to keep a smile on everyone’s face. He was never without a joke, and his chuckle was most infectious. No one ever had a bad word to say about Henry. He showed his care through service and filled his free time laughing with loved ones as much as possible.

Henry’s family describes him as “The best man they’ve ever known.”

To cherish his memory, Henry leaves Janie, his wife of 66 years, his oldest son, Henry Jerome, his daughter, Kasia Lester, granddaughter Kashiya Lester, Grandson Kevin Genwright Taddei (Victoria), great-grandson Christian Lester, and great-granddaughter Eliana Rose Taddei. His spirit also lives on through one brother, Malcom (Hattie) Genwright, and one sister, Verdell Davis, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.