Born to James Naughton and Elizabeth Petersen, Jane Rebecca Naughton Henry was born on the beautiful island of St. Croix, Virgin Islands, at Estate Barren Spot on Nov. 20, 1928. She attended and graduated from Christiansted High School in 1947. After which time, she secured a position at the St. Croix Department of Social Services where she worked for two years then went on to attend her beloved Xavier University in New Orleans, La., with which she maintained a life-long love affair, graduating in 1954 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. In 1971 she would gain her Master of Arts degree in Counseling Education at New York University.
Returning to St. Croix after graduation from her esteemed Xavier University, she worked for the St. Croix Department of Education as an advisor and placement counselor. At the tender age of 27. she married Leroy Roderick Henry. Their union produced six children.
Relocating to New York in 1969, she continued to work in education and held a variety of positions as an educator and counselor in the New York City school system. Â Steadfast was her belief that education was the great equalizer. Always at the forefront, she held that education began in the womb and ended at the grave.
Leaving to cherish her memory are daughters: Vera-Lynn Quattlander, Virginia Henry and Velletta Henry; grandchildren: Jordan Henry-Jones, Khalil Commissiong, Cole Henry Jones and Aziza Commissiong; sister-in-law, Mavis Peterson; and a host of neices, nephews, cousins, godchildren, friends and chosen family.
A celebration of life service will take place Friday, Jan. 19, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Frederiksted, St. Croix. The viewing/visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the service beginning at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Frederiksted Cemetery.
