Henrietta (Henri) Roberta Lindsey was born on August 13, 1934, in Ousley, Georgia a small farming community located between Valdosta and Quitman, GA. She passed on May 4, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio.

An only child, she was preceded in death by her mother; Oveda (Wood) Chelcy, father; Andrew Jackson Chelcy, maternal grandmother; Armetta Wood and paternal grandparents (Quitman, GA). She was named after her mother’s beloved aunt; (Bertha), Henrietta Roberta Cornelius (Wood) Gary, with whom she was privileged to enjoy some of the happiest memories of her early childhood.

She was raised among a family of strong and determined former (elder) slaves and their earliest descendants who had very little by way of possessions. But through their hard-work and ethics, acquired land and established farms that provided for their families and jobs within their local community. This was an important basis that helped to mold her into the person we all came to know, respect and love.

Her mother (a homemaker) and father, who was in the forest industry, moved around for work primarily in the state of Florida in their early marriage. This helped to spark her desire to explore new places in her adult life. She and her mother also lived in Jacksonville, Florida on Beaver Street, where she also attended school.

In her early teens she and her mother would eventually settle in Columbus, Ohio among some of her father’s relatives. They lived on the south end of Columbus with her father’s sister Lavonia before finally settling nearby in a small one room house behind a church on Stambaugh Ave. She often spoke about collecting coal from the train tracks behind her home that they would use to heat the home and cook. She was member of Clair United Methodist Church at this time.

She attended South High School where she stated she worked hard and learned to adjust from her farm life to a “city” lifestyle. She worked odd jobs in the summer and was even a live-in maid during her summer break. She was involved in clubs and sports while in school before graduating in 1953. She was cited by her classmates as being charming and agreeable.

After high school she attended OSU, worked as a store clerk and nurse’s aide before starting her 35+ year career with Ohio Bell/AT&T. It was during this time after high school that she established many life-long friendships with whom she enjoyed an active and fun young adult life. She also liked to travel and even ventured on a solo trip to Colorado.

She also met her husband during this time and had 2 daughters. She worked hard to move ahead within AT&T from starting in the mailroom to being an operator, administrative staff, and sales. She was respected by her co-workers, especially for her quiet behind-the-scenes efforts throughout the years at AT&T to stand up for her rights as a worker. Her efforts made slow but long-standing changes to how minority workers were treated within the workplace.

She would go on to live and become a homeowner for over 10 years in Cleveland Heights, Ohio before returning to Columbus, Ohio to end her career with AT&T. She was fortunate to enjoy a secure retirement that spanned over 30 years. She often stated during this time that she was happy.

She is now survived by her daughters; Carla Lytle and Caren Lindsey, friend and former husband; William Lindsey, grandson; Wayne E. Lytle and (wife) Cynthia Lytle, great-grandchildren; Carter William, Wayne Caleb, Nina and Jackson, nieces; Pamm Moore-Haley, Dorothy Mae Jordan and Phyllis Lindsey, life-long friends; Pat Wilson, Rosemarie Caine & Rhonda Lyles-Lee and many other relatives and friends.

An intimate grave-side service and Interment will be held on Thursday May 11, 2023, at 11 a.m. at EastLawn Cemetery in Columbus Ohio.

Graveside service 11:00am Thursday May 11, 2023, at Eastlawn Cemetery 1340 Woodland Ave. Arrangements entrusted to MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE NORTH 2500 Cleveland Ave. To read the complete obituary, order flowers, view video tribute and offer condolences to the Lindsey Family, visit www.TheChapelofPeace.com

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