Obituary of Deborah Mae Henry

December 21, 1954 – January 3, 2019.

Deborah Mae Henry.  Age 64 of Wyandotte.

Beloved sister of Marsha (Leonard) Powell and Melinda (Jeff) Mosley.  Loving Aunt of Greg (Kelly) Powell, Sara Hamilton, Derek Mosley, Dylan Powell, Kelsey Powell and Luke Cortez. 

FAMILY TRIBUTE 

Debbie Henry graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte Michigan in 1973. Later that summer, Debbie Presson asked her to go with her to Rivergate Health Care Center where Debbie began working as an aid. Eventually, she became a unit secretary working at Rivergate for over 46 years. Debbie far exceeded her “call of duty” by assisting the aids, nurses, doctors, patients, and family members in any role that was needed. She was a key member of Rivergate and her fellow co-workers have stated that Rivergate will never be whole without her.

Debbie’s family and friends were the focus of her life. She had an enormous capacity for giving. For example, on one occasion a friend mentioned to her that she would like a new pair of black loafers. Upon hearing that, Debbie secretly ordered them and had them delivered to her friend’s front porch. On another occasion, Debbie overheard a husband expressing concern that his wife was cold wearing the standard hospital gowns. Debbie purchased two flannel nightgowns and sewed and modified them to function as hospital gowns but yet kept the woman warm to the relief of her husband. Such acts of kindness and spontaneous generosity were typical of Debbie.

In addition, Debbie created countless homemade cards and wrote letters of encouragement, sympathy, and support to her friends and family. Using email and Facebook, Debbie shared daily Bible verses, uplifting songs, jokes, and humorous YouTube videos to bring cheer to everyone.

Debbie was very witty with little sayings such as, “Well, you’re as handy as a pocket on a shirt”, or “Are your hands painted on?”, or her favorite “I’d rather be alone than wish I was”.  Those “Debbie-isms”seemed almost innate and will forever be greatly missed. She listened, consoled, and offered her profound wisdom in an effort to enhance the lives of everyone she met. It is a great testament to Debbie that she formed so many friendships that have endured for so many, many years.

Debbie loved music and praising the God she loved with her beautiful voice. She sang as an alto in an acapella singing group called Gr8ful Praise who traveled the Midwest performing at various events and produced multiple CDs. In addition to Gr8ful Praise, Debbie participated in Bible Study groups, Scrapbooking, Ceramics, Painting and Bowling.

But most importantly, Debbie was a caretaker at heart. Her Mammaw, her father, her mother, and her Uncle Troy were just a few blessed by her gracious spirit. Debbie lived a life of humility and served others without hesitation.

Debbie’s faith in her Redeemer was unwavering. She gracefully demonstrated how to navigate through a tragic situation with a steadfast devotion to God using dignity, humor, and kindness - and, when the Good Lord ultimately called her home, she was prepared to meet Him with strength and joy with the promise of what lies ahead. Although she grieved having to leave her loved ones behind, in the hospital she stated “this world is not my home, I’m just a-passin’ through”! Debbie was headed to her mansion just over the hilltop!  There is no doubt God has confidently declared to her, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”