Lenworth Milton Henry

Lenworth Milton Henry was born in Walkerswood, St Ann, Jamaica WI., on March 15, 1948, to the late Alton and Lynette Henry.   He was the 11th of 12 children. At an early age his family relocated to New Pen, St. Mary where he attended Labyrinth All-Age school.  As a young teacher at Harewood All-Age School in St. Catherine he befriended the reigning St. Catherine Farm Queen, Estella Robinson.  They were married in 1975, and the union produced two sons, Lenworth Dale and Loel Milworth Henry.  Lenworth’s first son Conrad Henry resides in Georgia.  After migrating to the USA in 1990, Lenworth lived with his family in Maryland until his demise.

Lenworth graduated from Labyrinth All-Age School with a Jamaica School Certificate.  In 1969, he obtained a General Certificate in Education (London GCE.)  He began his teaching career as a Probationary Teacher at Tree Hill and Bread Nut Hill Primary schools.  In 1973, he graduated from Mico Teachers’ College in Kingston Jamaica and continued his teaching career at Harewood All-Age School.  He worked as Principal of Troja All-Age school and later as Principal at Hamwalk All-Age, 1974-1980. He was instrumental in the acquisition of a new school building for Hamwalk.

In 1980, he was certified in hospitality management practice by Meddilin Institute, Colombia South America.  1980 to mid-1981 he was employed by Hotel Intercontinental Jamaica as the Manpower Development Coordinator.  1981-1989, Lenworth worked at Ewarton High School as the students’ Work Experience Officer.  He continued his education at the University of Maryland University College (now UMGC), where he studied Creative Writing. Lenworth continuously participated in self -development programs.  He used his entrepreneurship ability to continue as proprietor of Car Spa in Rockville, Maryland, 1990-2007.  In 2008, he joined Montgomery County Public School Transport System as a school bus operator and attendant until his retirement in 2023. Again, doing what he loved best, serving students.  

Lenworth’s career passions were education and public service including participating in political work. He was well-known in the political arena as the Parish Constituency’s Chairman and Executive Member of the People’s National Party (PNP.)  He served as a Local Leader and St. Catherine’s Parish President, and National Executive Member of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA). He formed and served as president of the St. Catherine Association of Leaders of the 4-H Club to engage the local youth in positive activities and farming interests. He served in the Linstead Kiwanis Club and participated in numerous humanitarian projects.

During his teenage years, Lenworth participated in Youth for Christ Ministry, Sunday School at Walkerswood Ebenezer Baptist Church, played cricket and other sports at NutShell Duncan activity center. He spent much of his time on the farm at New Pen district planting and reaping, driving tractors, and tending the animals.  As the ultimate role model, he used his leadership skills and friendly personality to engage and teach other young people including his niece Judy and nephew Chris to ride the horses, set traps and shoot birds, and swim in the nearby river.  

Lenworth was a musician and songwriter. He played the piano, organ and guitar. He could play by ear and would pick up a musical chord from whatever was being sung.  He wrote over 40 songs that were recorded by various artistes.  Among his favorites were Glory, Loyal Serenade, I Praise You Lord, One More Day, and Thank You.  His beautiful tenor voice echoed when he sang on special occasions, with his family, and in church.   

He was an ardent writer of anecdotes, anthology, and non-fiction books, three of which were published: Gilbert the Mighty Hurricane, Laugh Like a Jamaican, and Lest We Forget New Pen – A Jamaican Farm Memoir.   

Lenworth is survived by his loving and faithful wife Estella, his sons Lenworth Dale (Pennsylvania), Loel Milworth (Jamaica), Conrad Milton (Georgia) and three granddaughters (Pennsylvania;) his sisters Pamela, Linda, Sadie, (New York) Novelette, (Jamaica) Nermin (Florida.)  He is predeceased by four sisters and two brothers. He is survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Len, as he was affectionately called, was the life of family and friend gatherings, a great debater in any political and societal discussions, a humorist with recognizable laughter in any setting.

On Thursday, August 22, 2024, in the presence of five persons, Lenworth Milton Henry acknowledged that he believed that Jesus loves him, he believed that Jesus is his Savior, be believed that Jesus will forgive all his sins and transgressions, he believed that when Jesus calls him, he will go to Heaven. He did this by saying the name “Jesus” at each intercession.  Lenworth went home to his Lord on Sunday, August 25, 2024.

Len, you will be greatly missed but not forgotten. Rest in God’s Arms.

I entrust my spirit into your hand. Rescue me, Lord, for you are a faithful God.

Psalms 31:5

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