Rose Henry, the first African-American female president of the St. Louis Grand Jury Association for over 30 years, died on August 13, 2010 at St. Mary’s Health Center in Richmond Heights, MO. She was 86 years old and was born July 24, 1924 in St. Louis, MO.
Rose was a member of Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church for 49 years. She was a member of the Path Lighters, Sunday School Class and the Esther Circle.
Her parents, now deceased, were Rev. and Mrs. Joseph P. Henry. She had nine brothers and one sister.
Rose’s education included L’Ouverture Elementary Grade School, Vashon High School, St. Mary’s Infirmary School, My Lady’s School of Cosmetology, where she became a licensed beautician, St. Louis University and Maryville University School of Nursing. Her professional responsibilities included teaching in career settings which required expertise and a strong health background. She gave lectures on communicable diseases in and out of the state of Missouri.
Rose was the first to implement the concept of a Lead Mobile in the city effort to test children for lead poisoning. She served as an AIDS counselor for the department of health.
She was a member of St. Mary’s Infirmary Nurses Alumni Association and she recently retired from the FSM Board of Directors of Almost Home for young and unwed homeless mothers after 17 years. She was honored by Franciscan Sisters of St. Mary on Dec. 6, 2009 for her service.
Rose was the mother of two sons who died at an early age; Burrell, the eldest son was in the Marines and Robert was in the Army. She leaves to mourn her death; a son, Steven Burrell; a daughter, Vanessa Robert; her sister, Elmira Batchelor; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, Denise Henry Shelton (raised by Rose), nieces, nephews, cousins, two sisters-in-law, Gemealia Henry and Geraldine Henry and many loved ones and friends who already miss her greatly.
A memorial service will be held on September 25, 2010 at 11 am at Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church.
