We announce the passing death of Dean Hugh Henry better known as "Ras" who passed away on Sept. 17.
Dean Hugh Henry was born on St. Thomas on March 28, 1965, to Veronica Henry (deceased) and Hugh Henry. Dean has one brother, Desie, and one sister, Dawn. Dean has eight children: Jahlema, Denesha, De’Lani, JahNoriah, JahDeejah, JahMyrah, JahSeinhym and Jah-Kno-I. One of his first homes was Bluebeards Condominiums – later bought by the VI government and renamed Warren E Brown (Flap City). While living at Bluebeards he attended the Lockhart Elementary School. His family later moved to Estate Thomas as he continued his education at Wayne Aspinal Junior High School and Charlotte Amalie High School. He was later sent to Laurinburg Institute to finish is education. In his home at Estate Thomas there was a “wall of accomplishments” where his mother posted all of her children’s certificates and awards. Dean always had the most awards on that wall. He was highly intelligent. Dean also had a special way of making everyone feel included and wanted.
Bluebeard’s was right next door to PMP (Ghettos) where he made lifelong friends, and it became his second home. Somewhere during his early years, his friends starting referring to him as “RaS” and the name stuck. He also spent much of his time in OHC (Housing). RaS was always full of life from an early age. He needed to experience and live life to its fullest. He was an avid Jam Band fan. You see, RaS loved dancing and hanging out with his friends. In one of Friday’s songs, he sang of “RaS bringing a new dance.” RaS created his new dance with perfection – he was very proud. We all know that back in the day, when attending a Jam Band dance, proper attire was a requirement. RaS also would set fashion trends – Bally shoes, sneakers, and clothing carefully styled in the right color and combination. When the Possie (Buggsie [deceased], Mingle and others) stepped out, they would make heads turn. At every Jam Band dance, during roll call, RaS’ name was one of the first Friday called.
RaS loved to create and fix things. Loved his garden and spent time making his posters. From time to time he would taxi and loved telling stories of the different persons he met while chauffeuring them around. RaS also loved God. He would spend time reading his prayer book and reciting Psalms – the 23rd and 121st Psalms were two of his favorites. God was never far from his heart and was his confession, he always spoke of God. Whenever you asked him how he was, he would always say “Everything’s Blessed.”
RaS loved his children and was a devoted father. His children were the central focus of his life. If you needed to do something with him, it had to be done after he took his children to school and either before or after he picked them up from school. His hope for his children is that they would all get a good education and work for themselves. He was very adamant about them not working for anyone. He treasured his children and gave unselfishly of himself.
The news of RaS’ sudden death was a terrible shock for us all. We come together to celebrate his life. He was respected and much loved. He left his footprint implanted in our minds, in our hearts and in the very essence of our being. Death is sad occasion but remembrance is joy. RaS shall remain with us forever, through our memories of him and through the legacy of his children.
His family and loved ones: mother, Veronica Henry (pre-deceased); father Hugh Henry; children: Jahlema, Denesha, De’Lani, Jah’Noriah, Jah’Deejah, JahJah’Seinhym and Jah’Kno-I Henry; grandchildren: Jahkeel and Jahkai Elmes; brother, Desi Henry; sister, Dawn Henry; aunts: Olive Henry Joshia, Gene Henry Gulston, Leone Henry Yorke, Jocelyn Henry, Claire Henry, Camille Henry and Cyrene Bradshaw; uncles: Tyrone Jarvis, Everette Parker, Fitzroy Joseph, Zinworth Christopher, Conrod Henry and Gladwin Henry; niece and nephews: Zia Henry Potter, Desie Henry Jr. and Desio Henry; first cousins: Kenbert Henry, Judith Martin, Carol McCater, Allison Wallace, Craig Henry, Lori Fakira Maat Eel, Rene Merchant, Sharon Jackson, Donna Issac, Jeffery Henry, Ade’ Henry, Ghamale Henry, Tyler Adams, Jomo Gulston, Joanne, Phillis and Clifton Jarvis, June and Judith Gilead, Latoya and Tanya Joseph, Je’Moi, Devorn, Dishana, Zinworth Jr., Ja’Cob, Zinnobia, Jacqui and Jada Christopher, Everette Sr., Erica, Everette Jr., Hendren, Djanaba, Everette, Julius, Zendarette, Dahlia, Seymone, Endesha Parker, Cleve Hodge, and Christopher, Katrina, Vanessa and Kevin Bradshaw; partner for life, Patricia Tita King; special friend, Karimah Edwards; adopted children: Kamali Burke, and Rukiyah and Rupert Lewis; godchildren: Anika, Caheem, Caleem, Caliq Johnson; as well as other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
The first viewing will be on Thursday, Oct. 4, from 5-7 p.m. at Turnbull’s Funeral Home Chapel. The second viewing will be on Friday, Oct. 5, at 9-10 a.m. at Turnbull Funeral Home Chapel. Services will be on Friday, Oct. 5, at 10 a.m. at Turnbull’s Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Western Cemetery, No. 1.
Funeral arrangements are by Turnbull’s Funeral Home.
