It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of Henry Stephens, Jr.

Henry was born to Henry Stephens and Dessie (Jones) Stephens in Phoenixville, PA and grew up in Philadelphia and Haverford, PA. Much of his childhood was spent working alongside his mother, father and two younger brothers, Ricky and Anthony, in the family business, a corner grocery store in Philadelphia. Because of the success of that business, they were able to move out to Haverford, PA.

Henry graduated from Haverford High School and Folcroft Vocational School where he excelled in his craft, brick masonry. During high school he joined the ski club and quickly became an avid skier. He also ran cross country and track throughout high school and held the Delaware Country record for a half-mile for many years with a time of 1:58.5.

Shortly after high school he was hired by the union-Local 54 in Philadelphia as a brick mason apprentice and obtained his journeyman title after three years. At that time, he was one of a few African-Americans hired by the union. He later worked for Local 5 in NJ. He loved his trade, rarely complained about working in extreme temperatures and left his mark on many places throughout Philadelphia and New Jersey. He was proud of the beautiful work he did and would always point out the many schools, businesses and hospitals he worked on including in New Brunswick, Toms River, Atlantic City and Wildwood: Borgata, AtlantiCare hospital, the outlets and bus station in AC and the convention center in Wildwood. His customers in Philadelphia were so appreciative of his work; they knew that he was skilled but also someone that was reliable. He was foreman for and laid out the complex pattern of the brick on the entry driveway of the AtlantiCare Hospital.

While in vocational school his teacher told the class of young men to marry a nurse, because when you were laid off your family would always have an income, and when you were sick she could take care of you.  Apparently, he took this advice to heart, and little did he know at the time, how this advice would ring true.

Henry met Barbara his future wife while in high school. She went on to become a nurse. Henry and Barbara have three beautiful daughters of whom he was very proud; Jessica, Shana and Amanda. When he was in his 20's he built his family a home from the foundation on up (with the exception of the electrical work), with the many skills he learned up to that time.  He had remarkable strength and was able to fix almost anything. He had the ability to use math, physics and common sense to move a baby grand piano into the house or move a steel beam over his head into place single handedly.  He would say, "I am not that strong, I use my brain."  Henry raised his family, along with his wife of 47 years in that home in Williamstown, NJ.  Most recently he resided in Clementon, NJ.  They were able to enjoy and spend time with their three precious grandchildren, Jazzmyn, Julian and Justice. To their grandchildren they are known as "Honey and Poppy."

Henry was artistically talented and designed and created many beautiful stained-glass pieces of art which were displayed in the home. He enjoyed volunteering to help elderly neighbors and friends to transport them around or do odd jobs for them. He would talk to strangers that looked lonely, even on a crowded elevator during Covid.  He loved a good snowstorm because he loved shoveling snow; after he finished his driveway, he would do his neighbors that needed help.

Henry was predeceased by his parents Henry and Dessie Stephens and his brother Anthony Stephens. He is survived by his wife Barbara (DeFeo) Stephens, his daughters, Jessica (Stephens) Ferebee (Jasen), Shana Stephens (Samuel Ortiz), and Amanda Stephens, his grandchildren; Jazzmyn, Julian and Justice Ferebee. He is also survived by his brother Richard C. Stephens (Juanita) and a host of other family members: an aunt, uncles and many cousins and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation on Monday, March 25th from 9:00 - 10:00 AM at St. Matthew's Baptist Church, 245 Glassboro Road, Williamstown, NJ, where a service will be held at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Berlin.

In lieu of flowers, the Stephens family would like you to know beyond funeral expenses, a portion of all your generous contributions will go to three great charities, in tribute and in honor of his life and legacy, to teach and learn.

-Alzheimer's Association (Donations to this charity will go toward the important work of continued support, research and care)

-NSBE – National Society of Black Engineers (Proceeds will benefit NSBE's mission; "to increase the number of culturally responsible black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.")

-PBS Foundation (Contributions help prepare young learners for school and life, and empower communities through transformative engaging media)

Please make checks payable to Barbara Stephens and mail to her home address.