Henrydean (Henrietta) Perry Stitts

Our beloved Henrydean (Henrietta) Perry Stitts, departed this earthly realm at her home surrounded by her family on October 20, 2026. Henrietta was born on February 15, 1955 in Independence, Louisiana, to the late Clifton Belton Sr. and Francis Lee Perry. Moved to Central Illinois att he age of 9, then to Que Claire, MI leading to a move to Bneton Harbor. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, whose life was a testament to love, kindness, and the transformative power of education. Henrietta accepted Christ at an early age. Henrietta shared 47 wonderful years of marriage with her devoted husband, Bobby Stitts, whom she married on June 1, 1979. Together, they raised three children and nurtured a family rooted in laughter and love. Henrietta's journey of llearning began at Benton Harbor High School, where her grace and poise earned her second place in a beauty pageant. After then moving to Elgin, she graduated from Larkin High School and continued her education at Elgin Community College. Her passion for education extended into her career, where she touched countless lives as a school dean, encouraging others to pursue their dreams. Her career path was diverse, including roles as a bus driver, construction flagger, caregiver, and a position at Chase Bank, each reflecting her dedication to service and community. Active from an early age, Henrietta was a member of the NAACP, where she worked tirelessly to advocate for justice and equality. Her love for the earth was evident in her gardening; her green thumb brought forth beautiful plants, flowers, fruits, and vegetables. She was also a creative spirit, known for her love of painting and drawing, famously remembered as "the lady with lights." Henrietta's beauty was not only external but radiated from within. Her smile was a beacon of hope, and her willingness to help anyone in need was a hallmark of her character. She planted seeds of love in the hearts of everyone she met, and her compassion and extraordinary ability to see beauty in all things were unmatched. Truly, God shared an amazing woman with us. She was predeceased by her beloved parents, Clifton Belton Sr. and Francis Lee Perry; her father-in-law Jessie Gibbs and mother-in-law Annie Pearl Gibbs; her father-in-law Clarence Owens; her grandmother Daisy M. Brumfield Williams; her grandfather Prentiss Perry; her brothers Sandferd Morris, Clifton Belton Jr., and John Henry Perry; her sisters Luthelma Perry Briggs, Fredlina Perry, and Katiemae Belton; and her brothers-in-law Stanley Atkins and Lucky Williams. Henrietta leaves behind a devoted family, including her brothers Todd Belton of Baton Rouge, LA; Leslie Jackson of Riverdale, GA; James A. Morris of Los Angeles, CA; Mitchell R. Morris of Richmond, CA; and her sisters Judy Smith of Santa Cruz, CA; Daisy Atkins of Las Vegas, NV; Mary (Ivory) Cummings of Stockton, CA; Lela (Wilbur) Self of Greensburg, LA; and Pamela Perry of Kalamazoo, MI. She also leaves six cherished grandchildren who were the light of her life.and a host of relatives and friends.