Karen E. Henry

Karen Elizabeth Johnson Henry peacefully transitioned on Saturday, March 21, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. A devoted mother, educator, and woman of faith, she touched countless lives with her warmth, strength, and unwavering spirit.

She was born on Saturday, July 29, 1950, at Albany Medical Hospital to Mrs. Shirley (“Shellie”) Johnson and Mr. Henry Johnson. Entering the world weighing just 3 pounds, 8 ounces, she spent her first three months in an incubator—already demonstrating the strength and resilience that would define her life. When she finally came home, her parents carried her in on a pillow, like the little princess she was.

Karen was raised in the Arbor Hill section of Albany, New York. Even as a young girl, her passion for teaching was evident—while playing with friends, she always insisted on playing “school,” and, of course, she was always the teacher. When asked what she wanted to be, her answer never changed.

She was educated in the Albany Public School System and graduated from Albany High School in 1968. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Education from the State University of New York at Albany (SUNY Albany) in 1972, followed by a Master of Science in Special Education in 1975. That same year, she received her permanent teaching certification.

Karen’s mother, Mrs. Shirley (Shellie) Johnson became a card carrying member of Walls Temple AME Zion Church in 1951. Karen was also a lifelong member of Walls Temple, where she faithfully served as a missionary, choir member, usher, and elder. Her church was a cornerstone of her life and faith. On March 17, 1984, she married Ernest Henry at Walls Temple, beginning a union blessed with their beloved daughter, Iyanna Johnson Henry Howard.

Karen began her teaching career in the Berlin Central School District before returning home to serve the Albany Public School District. She taught at Street Academy and Philip Livingston Middle School before spending the majority of her more than 35-year career at Albany High School. She often said she loved teaching—that her students taught her as much as she taught them. They kept her connected to music, dance, and culture, and their relationships sustained her through challenges they never even knew she faced.

Karen found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved sewing, reading, solving Sudoku puzzles, painting flowers using the one-stroke method, and playing cards. Bid Whist and Spades were among her favorites, and she even created her own signature way of playing Bid Whist, affectionately known as the “Miss Henry.”

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Shirley Johnson. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving daughter, Iyanna Johnson Henry Howard; her son-in-law, Anthony J. Howard, Sr.; and her cherished grandson, Ryan A. Howard.

She is also survived by her brothers, Welford (Emma) Johnson, Perry Johnson of Tokyo, Japan, and John H. Johnson, Sr. (Tyra) of Teaneck, New Jersey; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends.

Among those who held a special place in her heart were her beloved circle of friends: Azile Johnson, Fredericka Hughes, Carol Nelson, Vivian Smythe, Bridget DeNyse, Karen Stratton, Geraldine “Dina” Alexander, and ShaDina Currie.

Her love, wisdom, light, and legacy will live on in all who knew her.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, April 4, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for a calling hour/viewing at Walls Temple A.M.E. Zion Church. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 12:00 p.m.

Interment will take place at Graceland Cemetery, with a repast to follow at the Church.

Walls Temple A.M.E. Zion Church
27 Delaware Street
Albany, NY 12202

Graceland Cemetery
680 Delaware Avenue
Albany, NY 12209

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in loving memory of Karen Henry be made to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association (https://phassociation.org).

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