Henry Odell White, Jr. was born to Charles Zetta Willis-White and Henry Odell White, Sr., on the evening of Sunday, Dec. 17, 1961, at Coahoma County Hospital in Clarksdale.
He was baptized into the Catholic faith early in life at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. He received the rite of confirmation at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church. His earthly life came to an end on Saturday, October 27, 2018.
His father, Henry Odell White, Sr., preceded him in death.
Henry’s educational journey began when he enrolled in Head Start at Liberty Baptist Church. He attended kindergarten through eighth grade at Immaculate Conception School. He began high school at the St. Augustine the Divine Word Seminary and St. Stanislaus in Bay St. Louis. He graduated from Leflore County High School in Itta Bena in 1979. His collegiate studies started at Alcorn State University, and he graduated from Texas College in 1986. While at Alcorn, Henry joined Alpha Zeta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Henry served in previous management and leadership roles at Lincoln Foundation of Louisville, director of African-American Catholic Ministries with the Archdiocese of Louisville, chef manager for Sodexo Universities at Alcorn State University and Sodexo Remote Services in the Gulf Coast of Louisiana.
After leaving the private sector, Henry created an LLC, Community Engagers, Inc. He had a passion for helping others and started the non-profit to help end food deserts in his Mississippi Delta community.
Henry’s love for anything musical began at an early age. He loved to sing, act and entertain. The angelic sound of his voice would often bring tears to the eyes of anyone who heard Henry sing. The joy he spread through his tremendous talent could be felt whenever he came into a room. He participated in music and worship ministries at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Greenwood, Saint Augustine Church in Louisville, Ky., and Immaculate Conception Church of Clarksdale. Henry performed onstage at the 1984 World’s Fair in New Orleans.
A culinary genius, who loved the creativity and art of cooking, Henry was owner and operator of Creations by Odell. He founded the Taste of Saint Augustine, which was later named The Slice of Louisville - Spice, Style and Soul, an official Kentucky Derby event.
Precious memories will live on in the hearts of his son, Matthew Mosley of Indianapolis, Ind.; his loving mother, Charles Zetta Wills-White of Lyon; four siblings, Jacqueline White-Houston of Lyon, John White of Columbia, Md., Roslyn White of Murray, Ky., and Alex White (RockSheila) of Robinsonville; nieces and nephews, Alvin White (Demetria) of Clarksdale, Brian White of Louisville, Jeremy White of Clarksdale, Julia White-Johnson (Kerry) of Memphis, Nila White of Louisville, and Alex Spencer White, Jr., of Robinsonville; and a host of great-nephews, nieces and cousins.
There will be a vigil and memorial service held Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, from 5 to 6 p.m. in the T.J. Huddleston Memorial Chapel at Century Funeral Home in Clarksdale. The Rev. Dr. John A. Wicks, Jr. will be presiding.
A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Clarksdale. The Rev. Scott Thomas will be officiating. Interment will be at Heavenly Rest Cemetery in Lyon.
Arrangements entrusted to Century Funeral Home in Clarksdale.
