Alberta Henry, 84, treated at hospice

Alberta Henry, former branch president of the local NAACP chapter, was being treated in a hospice Monday, her condition listed as terminal.

Henry, 84, was transferred to Carousers Home Health and Hospice on Saturday from the Huntsman Cancer Institute. Details of her condition weren't released.

Henry served as president of the Salt Lake Branch NAACP from 1980 to 1992 and was a longtime member of the chapter's board of directors. She is a retired community relations coordinator for Salt Lake City schools.

Henry moved to Utah in 1949, working as a cook and domestic because no one would hire a black woman for a professional position, according to Deseret Morning News archives.

She was a key player in the '60s and '70s civil rights movement, championing issues such as fair housing and voting rights, said the Rev. France Davis, her pastor and friend.

"She's been a strong person in our community and made a lot of difference for a lot of people," Davis said. "This is a difficult time for the family, and for all of us."

Henry worked with the Head Start program and established the Alberta Henry Education Scholarship Fund, which is still active. Her work with the underprivileged has earned her an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Utah.

Jeanetta Williams, current NAACP branch president, said it takes dedication to lead the organization for 12 years.

"The work of the NAACP is very hard, everything is done on a voluntary basis," Williams said.

Forrest Crawford, education professor at Weber State University, says Henry's legacy is "truly unparalleled."

"She has influenced and mentored, probably, untold men and women," Crawford said. "That's what makes her so endearing. Her passion really just pierced the souls of so many people."

Rep. Duane Bourdeaux, D-Salt Lake, said Henry was "really truly a bridge builder in our community. She was a true advocate for people."

Bourdeaux said Henry has been a friend of his family since she moved to the area.

"I think the thing that always sticks out is how stern she was, and what she articulated resonated with you," he said. "Always inspiring you to be the best is truly what I will remember about Mrs. Henry."

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