Cleo Henry

Cleo Vashti Henry was born in Delmar, Delaware to Rev. Oris P. Fields, Sr. and Helen Goslee. Cleo received her early childhood education from Owen's Corner School in Columbia, Delaware and Paul Laurence Dunbar in Laurel, Delaware. She graduated from William C. Jason High School in Georgetown, Delaware in 1958. After high school Cleo attended Delaware State College. After 20+ years of service, Cleo retired from St. Andrews Preparatory School in Middletown, Delaware.

For many years, Cleo lovingly served as the pianist at Lee’s Chapel Methodist Church in Townsend, Delaware. Her beautiful music and faithful service brought joy and comfort to the congregation for many years. Cleo also formed the Lee’s Chapel Youth Choir. Later, in 1994, Cleo joined Bethel A.M.E. Church, where she served as a stewardess and took pride in preparing sacred sacraments and maintaining the altar. Later, Cleo continued working with the youth and formed a choir named the Lambs of God. Years later, when Cleo was no longer able to attend Sunday morning services in person, she faithfully tuned in to YouTube each Sunday to worship and follow along with the services at Lee-Haven United Methodist Church.

Cleo enjoyed the challenge of keeping her mind sharp through her love for Word Search puzzles. In her earlier years, she also cherished traveling and making special memories with her husband, Pete, her children, and her brother- and sister-in-law, Samuel and Josephine Simmons, during family vacations to Quebec, Toronto, and Montreal, Canada.

Cleo’s infectious laughter will be remembered by all.

Cleo was preceded in death by her parents Helen Goslee and Rev. Oris P. Fields Sr., a son Orlando Henry, three Brothers William Doane, Alfred Goslee, and Michael Fields, her Sister Evangelist Sharon M. West, and stepdaughter Rev. Shirlyn Brown.

Cleo is survived by her two daughters, Yvette Jackson of Kenton, Delaware, and Daneen Cuthbertson of Tampa Bay, Florida; one son, Duane Henry of Raleigh, North Carolina; and one stepson, Glen Henry of Dover, Delaware. She is also survived by her two brothers-in-law, Albert Baynard (Marion) and Donald Henry; eight siblings, Joyce Hopkins, Vivian Smith, Brenda Morris (Wayne), Geraldine Brown, Pat Holland, Bishop Oris P. Fields, Jr. (Audrey), Larry Fields, and Cresandre Barkley (Roscoe Jr.); one sister-in-law, Carolyn Fields; eleven grandchildren, including four grandchildren with whom she was particularly close, Rihiem Haman, Jarhyn, Kwame’ De Shields, and Shaquille Garrett; one special and devoted grandson, Devin Jackson; sixteen great-grandchildren; one aunt, Mabel Gaines; her goddaughter, Katrina Smith; her devoted niece, Katrina Goslee; her special cousin, Connie Dixon; her best friend, Lucille Bacon; her bonus son and daughter, Brian Faucett and Sandra Broadus; her dedicated friends, Mr. and Mrs. White; and a host of relatives and friends.