Walter Lee Henley

Walter Lee Henley, born in Baxter, Arkansas, to Harvey and Pearletha Henley on April 27, 1941, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and granddaughters on November 18, 2025. He was raised in St. Louis, Missouri before migrating to New Haven, Connecticut at the age of 18. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, steady kindness, and a deep devotion to the people he loved.

For 38 years, Walter worked as a machinist at Pratt & Whitney, where he was known for his skill, precision, and dependable nature. Outside of his career, he loved fixing cars, a passion that allowed him to help others and spend time doing something that brought him peace and purpose. Walter was also an excellent cook and a true grill master, known for the greatest ribs. Walter took his time in the kitchen, a reflection of his patient nature and his way of showing those around him how much they mattered. Following his retirement, he served as a security guard at his home church, Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church.

Walter was a man of remarkable determination. Even after a life altering injury at the age of six, Walter refused to let anything limit him, growing into a man defined by strength rather than circumstances. His fight for survival imbued in him self belief that was steady and unshakable, shaping the way he faced the world and encouraged those around him.

No matter the challenges he faced, he met them with quiet strength and resilience. He never allowed obstacles to define him or stand in his way, choosing instead to push forward with purpose and dignity.

Walter is survived by his wife, Janice Nicholas, with whom he shared many years of partnership and unwavering support. He is also survived by his children Marianne Renee Henley, Cynthia Felix, and Thelma Henley, as well as his bonus son Scott Bacote, whom he cared for as his own.

His grandchildren, Tamika Henley and TaNasha Hilton, were the light of his life and greatest joy. Their bond with him was filled with deep love, shared wisdom, and cherished memories that will continue to carry his spirit forward. Affectionately known as 'Poppy' to Dakarai Harper, Jonna, Jalen and Napaul Bacote, he played a major role in their childhood, creating memories that'll be cherished for a lifetime.

He is also survived by his 3 sisters Annie Henley, Ethel Waring and Margaret Henley, brother in laws Roger (Rochelle), Herbert, Winfred, Horace (Maria), and Terry Bacote (Dawn), an Uncle, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Harvey and Pearletha Henley, brother Charles Henley, sisters Mary Neal and Mabel Warren and sister in law Hazel Brown.

Though he is no longer with us, Walter's strength, kindness, and determination remain woven into the lives of everyone he loved. His presence may be gone, but his impact will echo far beyond his years. His life was a testament to quiet strength, steady love, and unwavering perseverance. His memory will continue to guide and comfort those who knew him, and his influence will live on in the hearts of his family.