Born on July 26, 1932, Henry came into this world with a purpose etched deep in his soul. Raised in Shaw, Mississippi, Henry is the oldest of 7 children. Born of Henry Lee Jones and Berniece Byrd, Henry was a son, a big brother, a friend, a father, a husband and a man of God. He carries with him a quiet strength, a brilliant mind, and a heart that gave without condition. Through the years, he wore many hats — educator, protector, park ranger, mentor, self published author — but above all, he was faithful: to his family, to his community, and to his Creator. Henry’s mother believed in the power of education and the importance of knowledge. At the age of 15, Berniece sent Henry to Memphis, Tennessee to complete high school.

Henry attended Booker T. Washington High School from 1945 to 1949, laying the foundation for a lifelong commitment to education and excellence. After graduation, Henry worked for U.S. Steel until he was drafted into the United States Army, where he proudly served from 1953 to 1955. Stationed in Germany, Henry’s love for a schnitzel-type dish remains unchanged. Following military service, Henry enrolled at Indiana University (IU), continuing his pursuit of higher education.

In 1958, during his time at IU, he became a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., embracing the values of manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift—values that would guide him for the rest of his life. August/September of 1960, Henry began his teaching career—a calling that would span over four decades. Henry taught 7th and 8th grade biology, using science as a gateway to curiosity, discovery, and confidence for my students. My classroom was more than a place of learning—it was a space of transformation, where young minds were encouraged to ask questions, explore nature, and believe in their potential.

Outside the classroom for 23 summers, Henry brought his love of nature and education together as a Guide Interpreter at Indiana Dunes National Park. There, he led countless individuals through the beauty and complexity of the park's diverse ecosystems. Whether explaining the science of shifting sand dunes or sharing the cultural history of the region, Henry served as both teacher and steward—bridging the gap between people and the land.

Whether he was teaching in the classroom, walking the trails as a park ranger, or writing down his reflections as an author, he was always planting seeds — seeds of wisdom, faith, and curiosity. Now a self-published author, Henry Lavalle Jones continues to share his voice through writing, particularly with children’s stories that reflect the same values he lived by: kindness, respect, and wonder.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord...