Hortense Hill Henry began her walk with Jesus many years ago. It was therefore, without hesitancy, that she willingly took the handoff the death angel and was immediately transformed for her admittance into the heavenly home which Jesus has prepared for her. She gladly left all of earth's sorrows, joys, laughter, and tears behind to stand with Jesus is His glorious, eternal heaven.

Hortense was born on November 21, 1928 in Isle of Wight County, Virginia. She was the oldest of four children born of the union between the late Robert Hill, Sr. and the late Virginia Johnson Hill. Hortense began her schooling in Virginia but completed her formal education in Maryland where her parents decided to relocate.

Upon completing her elementary education at the Turner Station Elementary School, Hortense successfully met the requirements for graduation from the Bragg High School in Sparrows Point, Maryland and the Cortez Peters Business School in Baltimore, Maryland.

Hortense met, married, and later divorced Waverly L. Henry, the father of her tow children, Novella V. Henry and Timothy W. Henry. Always striving for self -improvement, and while working at the United States Post Office, Hortense enrolled at Coppin State College from which she was graduated in 1968. Her first teaching assignment was at the Franklin Square Elementary School #95, under the principalship of Dr. Delores C. Hunt, a dynamic and positive influence. A longtime friendship resulted from this experience.

During her twenty-five and a half years with the Baltimore City Public Schools, Hortense continued to pursue excellence and in 1978 earned a Master's degree in Elementary Education and Reading from the Johns Hopkins University.

At an early age, she met our Lord and Savior at the Central Hill Church of God in the Isle of Wight County, Virginia. This was the start of a serious and personal relationship with Jesus that lasted throughout her life. Her Christian journey was an integral part of the experiences and activities of her life. In 1958, Hortense joined the ST. James United Methodist Church where she has served under the pastorage of five ministers:
1958-1978: Reverend Albert H. Hammond, Sr.
1978-1983: Reverend George A. Stansbery
1983-1991: Reverend Dr. Basha P. Jordan, Jr.
1991-1997: Reverend Dr. Lloyd E. Marcus
1997-2006: Pastor Theresa Robinson

During her entire membership, Hortense has willingly and wholeheartedly rendered a wide range of service to her God and her church. She served in Summer Bible School, Sunday Church School, Woman Society of Christian Service, Holy Communion Steward, Adult Fellowship, Adult Bible Study, Chairperson of Christian Education under Reverend Dr. Jordan, spearheaded the financial raising portion for the renovation of St. James' lower sanctuary, initiated first St. James Church and Community Fair, instrumental in the purchase of the church Music Work Station and contributors' name plaque, also the purchase and installation of the heating system installed during the tenure of Reverend Dr. Lloyd E. Marcus.

Sister Henry, though an ardent church worker, found time to render service to her community, city, and state. Her membership included: Colored Women's Democratic Campaign Committee of Maryland, Women Power, Inc., Coppin State College Alumni, Johns Hopkins University Alumni, N.A.A.C.P., National Council of Negro Women, Uplands Home Owners Association, Southwestern Police Community Public Relations Council, Neighborhood Housing Southwest Sanitation Task Force, Frederick Coalition, Les Tams Social Club and the Daytimers Social Club.

Being a "people" person, Hortense filled her life with activities where she could be of service to people. She was sincerely interested in the welfare of her fellow man, in the church environment as well as in arenas outside of church walls. Her constant prayer was:

Father above, forgive, forgive,
Teach me how to truly live,
Fill me with Thy love and grace
So that as I run this earthly race
Others I meet can truly see
You, dear Jesus, living in me

Left to cherish her memory are her beloved children, Novella V. Henry and Timothy W. Henry. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Philip Henry and Marina C. Henry.
Funeral service will be held on Wednesday July 20th, 2022, 10am, at Hubbard Funeral Home, Inc. 4107 Wilkens Avenue Baltimore, MD 21229. Interment will immediately follow the service at Woodlawn Cemetery.