Iris Ionie “Sunshine” Henry, fourth child of Septimus Clarke and Charlotte Levy, was born on February 27, 1937 in the peaceful and picturesque countryside of Winchester, St. Elizabeth. As if to announce her birth, rays of honey-gold sunlight burst through the window setting the room all aglow. At that very moment, her oldest sister walked in, and upon seeing the sun rays on her declared proudly, “She is a sunshine baby!” From that day forward, Iris was affectionately called “Sunshine”—a name befitting her winsome personality.

Iris grew up in a close-knit household with her mother and five sisters: Hortense (Sister Etta), Enid, Hyacinth (Vivie), Grethel, and Josephine (Joan). Throughout their childhood, they shared a deep affection for each other. This bond grew stronger as they became older and remained throughout their adult years.

From an early age, Iris displayed a thirst for learning. By the time she started attending Barbary Hall Elementary School, at age seven, she was well ahead of her class. By age fourteen, she passed the Third Jamaica Local Examination and subsequently won a full scholarship to Black River High School. In 1953, her senior year, she sat the Cambridge School Certificate Examination along with nine other students. When the results were published, the name Iris Clarke was the sole one that appeared in the Daily Gleaner. Being too young for employment, she was sent to Kingston where she attended the Eastern Academy Commercial School. The knowledge and skills she gained there enabled her to secure her first job at seventeen-years-old working for the Black River Parish Council. 

Around this time a young, dashing pastor by the name of Basil Lee Henry was pastoring in the Black River district. As soon as he met Iris, he knew that he wanted her to be his lifelong partner. Their friendship quickly blossomed into love and after a brief courtship they were married on November 27, 1955 at the Williamsfield Seventh-day Adventist Church. From this lovely union, four children were born: Rodger, Pauline, Hillary, and Karen.

Iris was a model pastor’s wife. She blessed her husband’s ministry immensely by playing the organ, singing for services, teaching the Children’s Sabbath School and, where possible, forming a church choir. They ministered in several districts including Lacovia, St. Elizabeth (where they were instrumental in establishing that church), Claremont, St. Ann and eventually Spanish Town, St. Catherine.

While raising three children, Iris aspired to further her education and felt a calling towards teaching. She matriculated in the Teacher Education Program at West Indies College (now Northern Caribbean University), graduating with a Diploma in Primary Education and earning the Joint Board of Teacher Education Certificate in 1967. During this time her husband served as an officer of the Central Jamaica Conference and Iris taught at Willowdene High School. Displaying a strong interest in the success of her students, the Central Jamaica Conference recognized her as a suitable candidate for principal and appointed her to the position within a few years. Under her leadership, the school flourished—enrollment increased significantly, passes in both the Jamaica School Certificate and General Certificate Examinations improved and morale was high.

As an educator, Iris knew the importance of higher education, so she matriculated at the University of the West Indies and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Arts and General Studies in 1976. However, two weeks before her final exams, she suffered a heartbreaking loss, when her husband passed away suddenly. Despite this terrible blow, Iris persevered knowing God would take care of her and her children.

In the summer of that year, Iris relocated her family to Mandeville where she joined the faculty of West Indies College. For the first few years, she taught Freshman Composition, Survey of English Literature, and West Indian History. Under her tutelage, students had an awakening, as she breathed new life into these courses. Shakespeare’s plays and the poetic works of many literary greats that they once considered dull and uninteresting suddenly became fascinating and worthy of learning.

Sensing the need to upgrade her qualifications, Iris went back to her alma mater, the University of the West Indies, and graduated with a Master’s degree in English in 1988. Upon her return to the college, she was appointed Head of the English Department. Determined to make a difference and expand the courses offered by the Department, she added Communications as part of the curriculum and gained approval for the Associate degree program in English. She also revived the English as a Second Language Program (ESL) and reestablished the Literary and Debating Clubs. Before long, she was promoted to Chairperson of the Division of Humanities.

Iris was much more than a professor to her students. Blessed with a natural aptitude to nurture and mentor, she became a ‘mother figure’ to many. She sparked curiosity, ignited passion, and fueled dreams in many of her students. As some struggled, she molded wings of confidence in them to inspire flight. Throughout her teaching career, she turned many ‘I can’t’ into ‘I did.’ The love she had for her students was unparalleled—a quality that made her a great teacher. In appreciation for her unwavering support for the student body, the United Student Movement dedicated the college’s school yearbook, the Palm Leaves, to her in 1988. 

In 1993 Iris was called to serve in a different sector of the Adventist Church organization. She was appointed as the first female Director of Education for the West Indies Union Conference (now Jamaica Union Conference).  She later served as the Director of Women and Children’s Ministries. Understanding how critical both ministries were to the sustenance of the church, she worked diligently to promote them throughout the Union.

After giving 45 years of dedicated service to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Iris retired in December of 2005. As a faithful worker for God and His church, she greatly influenced many lives throughout her career.

In 2010 Iris suffered another terrible loss when her youngest child, Karen, passed away. Through it all, she kept her faith in God who was able to sustain her through this very difficult time. However, in the midst of sadness God gave her something to rejoice about as she received her Doctorate in Education degree later that year.

Throughout her lifetime, Iris wore many hats—pastor’s wife, church organist, administrator, college professor, entrepreneur, counselor, mentor, to name a few. During her tenure at West Indies College, she served as Interim Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Church Elder, Sabbath School sponsor, Hospitality and Usher Coordinator. She was also involved in community work and was a member of these organizations: Jamaica Women’s Federation, United Nations Association, Jamaica Festival Committee and Housewives Association. For her dedicated contribution to these institutions, she received numerous awards and citations. Iris was never reluctant to serve or take on added responsibilities—no matter how challenging.  
Iris loved life and lived it to the fullest. Apart from her academic achievements, one of the things that gave her great satisfaction was music. On many evenings she would sit at her piano and play while singing her favorite hymns. For many years, she was a member of the Mandeville Chorale (formerly Tuesday Singers). Traveling, her other favorite pastime, was something she enjoyed immensely. Whether for work or pleasure, Iris visited many cities and countries of the world including the United States, France, Spain, London, Mexico, the Bahamas, Bermuda, to name a few. No matter where Iris traveled, she left an indelible mark on those she met. 

Spending time with her children, grandchildren, and friends was one of the things Iris treasured the most. Her home was often the venue for many get-togethers for family, students, and faculty from the college. She radiated love and had enough to go around. Everyone loved her too and enjoyed being in her presence. Road trips with Iris were full of fun and laughter. You could rest assured that there would be a jerk-chicken or fried fish stop somewhere along the trip back home. These experiences have created wonderful memories that will remain forever with all those who knew her. 

In recent years, Iris’ health began to decline after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. However, it did not take away her pleasant spirit. In January of this year, her medical condition worsened and on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at the age of 82, she passed away at the Hargreaves Memorial Hospital.

The Scripture verse 2 Timothy 4:7 sums up her life beautifully—“I have fought a good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.” We know that Iris is only resting for a while and we are confident that she will rise again in the first resurrection to meet her Lord and Saviour.

Iris leaves to cherish her wonderful memory her three surviving children: Rodger Henry (Lorraine) of Florida, Pauline Fletcher (Hansel) of California, and Hillary Ascalon (Andre) of New Jersey; grandchildren: Chantel, Conrad, Anecia, Adrian, and Dimitri; surviving siblings: Hyacinth Lynch and Josephine Miller; cousins, nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.