Gerald Carver Henley Sr., was born April 16, 1948 in Knoxville, TN to the late Melvin and Ella Mae Henley. He attended Beardsley Elementary and graduated from Austin East High School. He also attended Knoxville College and the University of Tennessee. While in Knoxville, Gerald was very active in fighting for social justice, political equality, and equal rights all.

Gerald Henley moved to Cleveland, OH. in 1982 and soon after, he met and married Annaliesa Hill in 1983. They were married 41 years. To this union, two wonderful sons were born, Gerald C. Henley, II and Marcus T. Henley.

Gerald continued his fight for equal rights for all people in Cleveland, OH. Gerald served on the Cleveland Metropolitan School Board where he also served as President of the Cleveland School Board. While on the school board, Gerald helped to implement several policies that helped to improve the educational growth of the students and the residents of Cleveland, OH. The Cleveland residents were proud to have a voice on the school board like Gerald C. Henley, Sr. Gerald Henley was the deciding vote that brought the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum to the city of Cleveland, OH. Gerald held on to his vote until the various powers in Cleveland gave in to Gerald’s demand to give back to the children in the school district and the residents of Cleveland. The agreement was to give back some funding from each ticket sold from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum back to the school children and the residents of Cleveland, OH.

Gerald Henley worked with various organizations in Cleveland, OH. He worked with the NAACP, Carl Stokes Brigade, Black on Black Crime, and so many more. Gerald Henley always stood tall and was a straight talker up to the Governor of Ohio, down to the mayors of Cleveland, OH. Gerald Henley was a member of Southeast Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Cleveland, OH. He was very proud to work with the Religious Liberty program.

Gerald Henley was a loving Christian-family man. He will be missed by all. Gerald C. Henley, Sr. leaves to mourn his lovely wife Annaliesa Henley; his sons Gerald C. Henley, II, Marcus T. Henley, and Don Juan Henley and his only daughter, Jervece LaKeshya Henley; siblings Charles Carson (Zelma, proceeded him in death) of Knoxville, TN., Fred Carson (proceeded him in death, of Knoxville, TN.), Mozella Howell (proceeded him in death) of Knoxville, TN., Elder Marshall Henley, and James L. Henley (Linda) of Knoxville, TN., and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

There will be a Celebration Of Life Service to be held at 10:30 am on Saturday February 22, 2025 with receiving of friends to begin at 10:00 am at the Unity Mortuary Chapel.

The final resting place will be held at the Mt. Olive Cemetery immediately following the service.

Arrangements are under the caring staff and direction of Unity Mortuary. www.unitymortuary1979.com