Lloyd M. Henry

Lloyd Martin Henry, affectionately known as "CUZ" or "The Cuzident," was born on June 30th, 1942 in Newark, NJ to father Reverand Lee Roy Henry and mother Mrs. Mary B. Henry (Snyder). He was the youngest male of seven siblings. From his sunrise to his sunset Lloyd would go on to live a life of vitality, vigor, artistry and, of course soul. From an early age Lloyd had a love for the Arts. He considered himself a "peoples artist." The journey began at Friendship Baptist Church which then followed him to Arts high and Cooper Union where he would learn about fine arts. But he would leave Cooper Union & New York City because as he says in his own words "..to return to Newark to create art for the people, not the galleries." He would continue to perfect his art until he entered the Air Force in 1963. During his in the Airforce he would travel the world from Sweden to Italy; speaking over 10 languages ranging from Italian to Swahili. Never losing a love for the arts he would seek out any and all art galleries to gain inspiration from San Antonios River Walk to Brindisis Galleria Del Sol. As inspired as he was during his time of service, it would be in September of 1967 that would transform his life and art once again. The smoldering flames of Newark in 1967 had fanned his art moving it to expressions against oppression. Evolving beyond the canvas and onto the stage, he became a principal performer of "Soul Pieces," directed by the legendary Freddie Roach, in 1969 which went from a carriage house in Newark to the Apollo. His love for theatre and the art would have him explore his curiosity in every facet which ultimately landed him a professorship at New Jersey City University, more affectionately known as Jersey City State College, teaching "Edutainment. Increasing Interest in Math and Language through the dramatic arts." From the arts he would enter the educational profession, which would be a journey for the next 35 years. Ranging from Montgomery School to Newark Regional Day School where he would bring his love of edutainment into the classroom. But that would form into another love: Gardening. While working with his amazing students he would become an expert organic gardener with two masters in gardening from Rutgers University. Perfecting his craft while developing his young students. After retiring from teaching he formed New Beginning. New Beginning would be the concept that would give birth to poetry, theater, educational games such as "Begino" and his greatest creation Buzzoommmm!!! Inspired for the need to protect the earth. Through his time on Mother Earth, Lloyd would go on to connect in the physical and spiritual with so many. His journey would lead him to the love of his life, Kathy Moore Henry, whom over a twenty-year span would travel the world in love. From friends to family to his colleagues and of course the children, CUZ was "Baba" a man who gave life to all through his art, teachings and soul. Lloyd is pre-deceased by his Father the Reverend Lee Roy Henry; Mother Mary B. Henry (Snyder); Sherman Henry and David Wadsworth. He leaves behind his amazing and lovely wife Kathy Moore Henry. His son L-Mani Siuzi Viney (mother Angela Green); daughter in-law Deidra Viney; stepdaughter Linda Johnson; grand-children Lorenzo and Dana Viney; siblings John Henry (Sheri); Joseph Henry (Carol); Mary Henry, Myra McClain, Cecille Hepburn and a host of loving step children and grandchildren. And in the words of Lloyd, CUZ, all the way from Sunland: "Do me a favor wings, Let Me Fly…"