Toft Funeral Home and Crematory
2001 Columbus Ave
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-625-8816
Website: http://www.toftfh.com
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Rev. Eddy N. Henry, Pastor Emeritus, 94, Sandusky, peacefully entered eternal life from labor to reward on May 29, 2020.
Pastor Henry was born in Columbus Mississippi on May 16, 1926 to Roy Bob and Sara Henry. He was one of 10 ten children.
At the age of 17 joined United States Navy. In the Navy is where he earned his necessary education; while in service he took classes that provided him knowledge to be able to go on to higher education. After the Navy he made his way through two years of college.
In 1951 Rev Henry moved to Akron, Oh., where he was employed by BF Goodrich for more than 20 years. He met and married the love of his life Lucille Billups and were united in Holy Matrimony on October 6th, 1952.
He received his Certificate of License to Preach the Gospel on August 25th, 1963 at the Bethel Baptist Church by Pastor Dr. William K. Hawkins.
He was ordained by Dr. A.L. Allen president of the Virginia State "Seminary on October 31st, 1965. In September 1967, he was called to Morning Star Baptist Church in Fairmont, W. Va. as Pastor. Pastor Henry commuted some 200 miles from Akron to Fairmont each way for 4 years and 8 months faithfully.
He preached a revival at Porter's Memorial C.M.E Church on Third Street here in Sandusky. The word spread quickly of his preaching & singing and he became known and was invited to New Jerusalem as it became vacant.
He was called to New Jerusalem in April of 1972 and installed on 1st Sunday in May 1972 to lead God's people.
On April 6th, 1973 the Church broke ground for the $170,000.00 new sanctuary, offices and classrooms.
Pastor Henry was asked about his most memorable service at New Jerusalem "He said, " Oh, I would say that it is the day that I accepted the church, and the day that we as a church family walked into the new church, and I preached my first sermon from that pulpit."
Rev. Henry often talked of his trip in October, 1978 to Monrovia, Liberia, St. Simon Baptist Church & the many countries he visited throughout Africa. Hands in building a church in Swaziland that had burned down. Many that he met and ministered in Africa have come to visit him in United States and New Jerusalem.
The church continued to grow with many of his accomplishments: Your Gospel Awakening Hour" Radio Broadcast, Purchased two church parsonages, erection of new church edifice, 2 four unit rental apartments and several properties to name a few.
He served with Union Missionary Baptist District Association, National Baptist Convention on Finance Committee. Instrumental in the NAACP, Sandusky Citizen's Coalition, being visual, a strong voice and financial supporter.
Loves the scripture St. John 3:16 and he loves the song "Amazing Grace". In later years you could hear his voice ringing out "Oh Lord How Excellent Is Your Name".
Under his leadership, nine accepted their call into the ministry and have been ordained.
Anyone that knew anything about Eddy N. Henry that his hobbies were gardening and fishing.
Pastor Henry retired on 1st Sunday in May 2009 after 37 years as Pastor of New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church.
He lived his life loving and caring about people. Compassionate to anyone in need and would give spiritual support as well as financial. His eyes saw no difference in people all are God's Children.
Pastor Henry leaves to cherish his memory his loving daughter, Minister Arelia Henry, Akron Ohio; adopted son Deacon Curtis Johnson Sr.; God- Son Pastor Curtis Johnson, Jr. (who also serves as his Pastor) God- daughter Latishia "Shay Shay" Harris , Sandusky, Ohio God-daughter Latishia "Shay Shay" Harris , all of Sandusky, Ohio; Special niece Rev. Charlotte " Niecey" Wade, Akron, Ohio, several grandchildren, and a host of god-children, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and his extended church family "The New Jerusalem Baptist Church Family."
He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings and wife Lucille Henry December 17, 2008.
Friends may call on Sunday, June 14, 2020 from 3-8 P.M. in New Jerusalem Baptist Church, 1920 Eddy Henry Way, Sandusky. Homegoing services will be held Monday at Noon in the church, with social distancing enforced. Burial will follow in Perkins Cemetery.
Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky is handling the arrangements.
Condolences may be made by visiting toftfuneralhome.com.
