Henry L. Anderson

Henry Anderson, 93; passed away Wed. Sept. 19th; He was preceded in death by his wife, Oletta Anderson (March 29, 1998). He leaves behind two daughters, Stephanie Phelps of Cleveland Hts, Ohio and Lateefah Wooten of Southfield, Michigan. Obituary of Henry L. Anderson - ‘Warrior Salaam' On the day of May 19, 1925, a mighty peace warrior was born into this world. His mother, Annie Hall Johnson, would name him Henry Lee. He would take on the sir name of his father, K. P. Anderson and then the name Warrior Salaam. Henry was born in Jackson Mississippi and raised in rural Canton, by his mother and grandmother, Emma Hall. At birth he was so tiny he could fit on a bed pillow. Snook, as he was called, grew up as an only child under the oppression of the Deep South, receiving little formal education. Later he would develop a relationship with his brother Eddie Anderson, which lasted into adulthood. In his late teens, Henry migrated to Chicago, Illinois to be closer to his aunt Jimmie Lee and other maternal relatives. Later he would relocate to Cleveland, Ohio. In the early years, Henry was mostly employed in the restaurant industry, including as a wait staff in large hotels and jazz clubs. He even chauffeured a few well known black celebrities during the big band era. Henry was a jazz music enthusiast and studied the flute and trumpet. Simply put Henry loved him some jazz! On October 20, 1956, Henry was united in holy matrimony to Oletta Leary. They lived a modest life and to this beautiful union, two daughters, Stephanie and Lateefah were born. Henry's strong and loving bond with each of his girls was unique and enduring. In the 1960's Henry began studying the teachings of Elijah Muhammad to become a Muslim. Warrior Salaam grew in knowledge and understanding of Islam, endeavoring to follow the way of peace throughout the entirety of a full and active life. On September 19, 2018, the soul of Henry L. Anderson departed this life, leaving us with a final As-salamu ‘alaykum. Indeed the Peace Warrior is now amongst the heavens and in paradise, amin! Henry was preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife Oletta Leary Anderson; mother, Annie Hall Johnson; father K.P. Anderson; grandmother Emma Hall; beloved mother-in-law, Eva Walker Leary, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Arthur Leary, Clara Boyer, William Leary, Bernice Taylor, Helen Williams; other dear family, and friends. His memory will live on in his loving daughters; Stephanie Anderson Phelps and Lateefah Anderson Wooten; sons in-love Jeffrey J. Phelps and Earnest Wooten; grandchildren; Arielle Wooten Johnson (Mike), Jeffrey Jeremy Phelps, Shavaar Ernest Wooten, Shenoah Wooten, Stephan Austin Phelps; great grand-granddaughter Londynn Michael Johnson; a most incredible, generous and loving brother-in-law; Alfred Leary (Cynthia) as well as host of family and friends.

Funeral Service

Saturday, September 29, 2018 9:30 AM
Watson's Funeral Home
10913 Superior Ave Cleveland 44106, United States