Leroy Henton (Lansing)

Leroy Henton passed away Friday, October 25, 2019 at McLaren Greater Lansing in Lansing, Michigan. Age 70 years. He was born to Tommie Henton and Molly Gray in Crawford, Mississippi on March 1, 1949.

Leroy “Pops” was a semi professional baseball player in his youth, and a musician at heart. He loved to entertain with his guitar, singing and dance. Leroy also loved being an auto mechanic and enjoyed fishing. But most of all he would light up when he told stories of dancing his heart out with his siblings & cousins in church as a child in Mississippi. He’d say “it felt so good”, dancing for the Lord. After many years on his journey he rededicated his life to Christ with the prayer of salvation in 2014.

Leroy successfully retired after 35 years of employment at General Motors in Lansing, Michigan. During this time in his life, he met his fiancée, Kathy Dennis. They had 30+ years of friendship, love and commitment; they were always there for each other. Together they raised 5 children, Adrienna Henton, LaDontae Henton, Donnesha Crosby, Dontrell Crosby and Derrick Dennis and additionally, bonus daughter, Shonda Davis.

As a father, Leroy was proud of his children and encouraged them to be the best at whatever they choose in life to do. He single-handedly encouraged, motivated and inspired his son, LaDontae, to play basketball through middle school, high school and the college ranks. LaDontae plays in the Prague professional basketball league and successfully plays around the world. LaDontae has even graced the stages and hoops of the NBA…all to make Leroy proud and that he was indeed. For Adrienna, he guided her gift of music. Without even knowing how to play piano himself, Leroy taught her how to read music and within a year she was playing songs on the piano by some of the greats such as Whitney Houston at just 8 years old. Adrienna also authored her first book in 2014. She says her Dad was a driving force in her life. Leroy, even began teaching Derrick and his grandson Philip to play the guitar as well. His kids made jokes about the funny things he would say and do, like “I’m a baaaaad man”! but he always stayed the same and that is something to be honored, because even the bible says “The Lord our God is the same yesterday, today and forever” Hallelujah.

Leroy had the power to encourage, inspire, comfort and motivate those he loved and many times he did it all without ever leaving his front door. Just knowing he was home made his family all feel that much more stable and grounded. He never changed; he was steadfast in his way. Leroy would give you the shirt off his back and welcomed any one into his home. He would take care of all children as if they were his own. He was a true friend, with a big heart that was warm and full of love. We always knew what to expect. He was the rock of the family. Now he is with the rock of our salvation the Lord Jesus Christ. We are so glad he made it. Joy, Peace, Power and Victory is his forever, Amen.

Leroy leaves to cherish his memory many loved ones including his children, Adrienna Henton, LaDontae Henton, Donnesha Crosby, Dontrell Crosby, Derrick Dennis and Shonda Davis; Grandchildren: Drianna Penman, Philip M Lyons, Jazziniyah Lyons, Harmony Lyons, Aleena Henton, Derrick, Derez, Deya, Briaz, D’Aris “Kathy”, D’Asia, Santos, Dareem, Deyanna Crosby Dennis, Angelica & Niyah Powell; Great Grandchildren, Elijah and Babygirl Jordan; stepfather, Harvey Gray; sisters Earnestine Gray, Deloris Gray and Betty Gray; brothers, Devotie Gray, Bobby Gray, Daniel Gray and Stanley Gray; many other nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends including his longtime companion and fiancée, Kathy Dennis.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Pamela Henton and his parents.

He was a father, a friend, a husband, an uncle, a nephew, a brother, a cousin, a son, a grandfather and a great grandfather. He will be missed and treasured.