Phillip Wilton Henry

Obituary

In Loving Memory of Executive Pastor Phillip Wilton Henry July 29, 1965 – May 24, 2025

With deep sorrow and profound love, we celebrate the life of Executive Pastor Phillip Wilton Henry, who departed this life and entered eternal rest on May 24, 2025, at 12:15 a.m., surrounded by his beloved family and the peace and presence of the God he faithfully served.

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies, on July 29, 1965, Phillip was the beloved firstborn of the late Bishop Wilton Henry and Reverend Joyce Henry. At the tender age of three, Phillip immigrated with his parents to the United States, where he grew up alongside his two siblings, Charlene and John Henry.

Phillip was educated in the Los Angeles Unified School District, attending Arlington Elementary, Mount Vernon Junior High, and Fairfax High School. A gifted musician, he mastered the saxophone, trombone, and bass guitar, performing in school bands and initially majoring in music at California State University, Northridge. Later, Phillip followed a calling into education and service, joining the United States National Guard in 1986 and, subsequently, the United States Army in 1994. He proudly served his country until his retirement in 2021, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

While serving in the military, Phillip also fulfilled his academic goals, earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a Master’s degree in Education from Azusa Pacific University. An educator and encourager at heart, Phillip consistently inspired others to pursue both professional and spiritual growth. A lifelong learner, he considered libraries sacred spaces and proudly obtained a library card from every state he visited—his Library of Congress card being a particular point of pride.

Phillip’s passion for education extended beyond his military service. He was a beloved 5th grade teacher at Michael D'Arcy Elementary School in Fontana, California, until he was deployed to Afghanistan. He also taught military science at California Baptist University and served as a high school teacher at Options for Youth in Fontana, California, where he continued to mentor and guide young minds with patience, wisdom, and grace.

Phillip’s spiritual journey was deeply rooted in the church. He gave his life to Christ at the International Pentecostal City Mission Church in Los Angeles under the leadership of Bishop Delrose Walters. In 1991, he and his family became members of New Gethsemane Church of God in Christ under Bishop Raymond Watts, where he faithfully served for 11 years as the children’s pastor. Later, he was ordained an elder in the Southern California First Jurisdiction under Bishop Emeritus Charles E. Blake, Sr.

In 2005, Phillip and his family were led to Mt. Sinai Church of God in Christ under Bishop Terence Rhone, where he continued to minister as a children’s pastor, lead elder, and Bible study instructor. A man of deep consecration and prayer, Phillip—along with his brother-in-love and their wives—formed a prayer partnership that birthed Total Worship Center in 2017 under the leadership of Apostle Robert Black. Phillip served faithfully as Executive Pastor, always seeking to glorify God in all things.

On January 5, 1991, Phillip married his lifelong friend and love, Rose Marie Black. Their union of 34 years was a testament to devotion, faith, and shared purpose. Together, they raised two children, Montcrey Dominique and Miikella Danielle, creating a home filled with worship, love, and joyful adventure.

Phillip was preceded in death by his father, Bishop Wilton Henry; his father- and mother-in-love, Oswald and Mary Black; his brother-in-love, Arcel Bullock Sr.; and two beloved nephews, Damian Liggins and Reuben Amie II.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Rose; children Montcrey Henry (Thursday) and Miikella Brown (Jeremiah); his mother, Reverend Joyce Henry; his siblings Charlene Henry and John Henry; goddaughter Shunae Wasket; sisters- and brothers-in-love; a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; and his extended church families: Total Worship Center, Divine Alignment Kingdom Association, and Mt. Sinai Church of God in Christ.

Phillip Wilton Henry was a devoted servant-leader, a gentle spirit, a loving family man, and a faithful soldier of the cross. Though he has taken his final flight, his legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the prayers he prayed, and the love he so freely gave.

“Well done, good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of thy Lord.” – Matthew 25:21