Henry Pelum ("Poleon") Mason

The Life and Legacy of
Henry P. Mason
“Poleon”

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21
 

Henry Pelum Mason was born on July 26, 1942, to parentage of the late Peter “Pierre” Mason, Sr. and the late Mary Julia Mason. Henry, affectionately known by family and friends as “Poleon” peacefully transitioned from earth to eternal rest on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Henry was a graduate of Fifth Ward High School, Class of 1961. He answered the call of duty and served  in the United States Air Force from 1963 to 1967 earning an honorable discharge on January 14, 1969.

On January 8, 1966, Henry was united in holy matrimony with the love of his life, a beautiful young lady from the “back of LaPlace”, Yvonne Smith Mason, to this blessed union, three (3) children were born, Orlando, Yolanda and Devin Mason.

Henry was employed by DuPont Dow Elastomers Plant in Reserve, LA where he worked as an Industrial Operator. He retired from DuPont on February 13, 2001, after 31 years of service.

                                      So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.  Romans 10:17

Henry heard God's voice and surrendered his life to the Lord and was baptized at Providence Baptist Church in LaPlace, LA under the pastoral leadership of the late Rev. Dr. Samuel Jones, Sr. He served faithfully as a Deacon and Financial Secretary of Providence Baptist Church decades under Pastor Samuel Jones, Sr. and Pastor Willie Smith.  In 2009, he became a member of the New Rescue Mission Baptist Church in Reserve, LA under the pastorate of his son, Pastor Devin K. Mason, Sr., where Henry continued to work faithfully as a Deacon and being appointed as Senior Deacon in 2015, after the passing of the late Deacon Peter Jasper, Jr.

Henry’s love for his entire family was evident by his commitment towards them and he demonstrated his love through meaningful acts, assistance, personal conversations, support, phone calls, and visits. Henry’s approach was always straight and direct. He made it clear where he was coming from and that He was ALWAYS RIGHT, no matter the conversation or situation.

He leaves a cherished and devoted family, a testament to the love and memories he helped to created. Among those are his loving children: Orlando P. Mason, Yolanda M. Winslow and Pastor Devin K. Mason, Sr. (Shanika) all of LaPlace, LA.  Henry’s legacy extends to his nine grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Paw-Paw”: Trolanda Clark, Courtneé Clark, Bria Mason, Achante Anderson (Natthan), Parys Mason, Devin, Jr. (D.J.), Darius, DeMarcus and DeAndre Mason. Six great-grandchildren: Teigan Clark, Tahj Clark, Aubrie Anderson, Austyn Anderson, Autumn Anderson, Sanaa Johnson.

In addition to his immediate family, Henry is survived by his older sister, Audrey Mason Grover and his loving and devoted younger sister Joean Mason of Reserve, LA, and three loving brothers: Alexander (Veronica) of Reserve, LA, Royal Mason of LaPlace, LA, and Wilfred Michael Mason (Waddie) of Mobile, AL. Sisters-in-law Shirley Mason, Lutha Mason, Hattie Mason, Carolyn Mason, Denise Mason, Odette Anderson, Ava Herring, Paulette Mason.

The branches of the family tree includes his sisters-in-law Mamie Gray, Bessie Cook and Gearldine Millet of LaPlace, LA, as well as brothers-in-law Pastor Willie Smith (Ledger) and Albert Smith, Sr.(Catherine) of LaPlace, LA.

Henry’s legacy extends to his godchildren, Alvin Cook, Jr., Harold Bazile, Jr. Dwayne Meyers, Sr., Perry Mason, Sr., Rondon Anderson and T.R. Smith. He also leaves behind two nieces in particular who were like daughters to him, Debra Ann Blue Anderson and Peggy Joseph. A host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends, all touched by his unique personality and presence. Together, they carry forward the memories and love he shared throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Peter “Pierre” Mason, Sr., and Mary Julia Berkley Mason. Grandparents: Louis and Ophelia Burkley, Mary Mason and Peter Mason and his Father-in-law Noble Smith, Sr. and Mother-in-law Gladys Mitchell Smith

His brothers: Clarence Mason, Sr., Louis Mason, Peter Mason, Jr., Roland Mason, Sr., Adam Mason, Alvin Mason, Sr., and Raymond Mason. Sister in laws:  Laddie Mason, Louise Mason, Hazel Mason, Doris Mason, Lorene Millet, Lillian Zeno, Celestine Zeno, Verlena Blue, Noble Smith, Jr., Sidney Smith, Edward Smith, Brother in laws, Ousbie Noble, Whitney Millet, Sr., Wyles Zeno, Sr., Ellis Zeno, Sr. Claude Millet, Alvin Cook, Sr., Royal Joe Gray. Delores Smith, Aunts: Alberta Randolph, Ethel Mae Landix, Lillian Harris, Mae Cambre, Stella Brooks Margarite Mason, Uncle: Morris Mason.
 

 Henry will be remembered as a man of faith, loving husband, an amazing father and grandfather, pillar of strength, a devoted family man, and a figure whose heart was bigger than what he could do with his hands!!!

Relatives and friends of the family, Pastors, Officers and Members of New Rescue Mission Baptist Church, Beech Grove Baptist Church, Providence #1 Baptist Church, Members of Second District Missionary Baptist Association and all surrounding churches are invited to the Celebration of Life Services at 10:00am on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at Beech Grove Baptist Church, 117 Beech Grove Drive, Reserve, LA 70084.  Pastor Devin K. Mason, Sr.-Officiating. Corey Batiste, Host Pastor.  Interment St. John Memorial Gardens, 2205 W. Airline Hwy, Laplace, LA 70068.  Visitation 8:00am until time of service at Beech Grove Baptist Church.  There will also be a visitation 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Friday, August 9, 2024, at New Rescue Mission Baptist Church,361 E. 14th Street, Reserve, LA 70084.  Final Arrangements Entrusted to Patrick H. Sanders Funeral Home & Funeral Directors, LLC. 605 Main Street, Laplace, LA 70068. 985-359-1919.  “Providing Care & Comfort is Our Highest Mission.”