Monte' Curtis Henry

Monte's Music Ministry

Monte' Curtis Henry, 67 years of age, of McDaniel, MD, transitioned on Saturday, February 15, 2025. Monte was born on May 27, 1957, to the late Harward Lankford Henry and Catherine Elizabeth Bailey Henry. He was affectionately known as Scrappy, Twitty Bird, Te’Te’, Bunky, Mr. Belvedere and Uncle Monte.

Monte’ grew up in Mc Daniel and was raised in a large loving and caring home by parents who loved the Lord. As a child, he attended John Wesley United Methodist Church where he was active in the Youth Choir and the Methodist Youth Fellowship.

Monte's education began at Frederick Douglas Elementary School where he did well academically and was the "Teacher's Pet" for most of his teachers. He maintained a friendship with his first-grade teacher, Mrs. Blake, for more than 60 years. At St. Michaels Elementary School, Monte was offered and inspired to play the clarinet after his big sister Pamela. In Junior High School, Monte began taking piano lessons and learned with enthusiasm, practicing often and gaining great control of the keyboard. By the time he attended St. Michaels High School, Monte’ excelled with the Clarinet, then the Bass Clarinet which was a large instrument needing a neck strap to hold the instrument in place, then to a Contra Bass Clarinet which needed a neck strap and a high stool for him to sit on to reach the mouthpiece. The Contra Bass Clarinet was new to the music program and Monte was the first to play it. He auditioned for All Shore Band and won a first chair position in 1974 and 1975 with the Contra Bass Clarinet. He also auditioned for and won a position in the All-Eastern Shore Clarinet Choir. Monte's Contra Bass Clarinet took him to Europe to play with the All-State Orchestra, a prestigious position and a proud moment for his family. In addition to his musical aspirations, Monte was chosen to attend Boys State, a leadership program for high school juniors that teaches practical governmental skills. We believe this was the catalyst for him becoming a "political junky." Other activities included being a member of the Marching Band, Pep Band, and the Student Government Association (SGA). Monte’ was the Senior Class Vice-President, a member of the high school newspaper called “The Parrot” and lastly, a member of the Prom Committee.

Monte’ fulfilled his dream, love and skill of music by attending Frostburg State University, in Frostburg, MD, where he first entered the instrumental music program. While there, one of his professors encouraged him to change his major to "voice" because it was so incredible. “Boy was that a good move”. Academic studies were important, but he also had a love for the performing arts: theaters, plays and musicals. He played a role in “Godspell” and was one of the three wise men in “Amahl and the Night Visitors”. When his family attended this performance, they discovered he could sing. In 1995, Monte’ had the opportunity to sing the National Anthem at an Orioles home game at Camden yards. Also noteworthy is that in 2023 Monte’ had the privilege of singing the National Anthem at the Inauguration of Maryland Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman, Esq. in Annapolis, MD.

Monte’ pledged Omega Psi Phi. This pledge line could "STEP", and this group of young men really could sing as well.

Monte’ moved to Perth Amboy, New Jersey after college to have access to New York City's performing arts opportunities, while living with his brother David and his family. He worked a variety of jobs, such as a sales associate for a high-end men's clothing store for 5 or more years and 10 or more years at FedEx as a Customer Service Representative. After a busy week of work, on the weekends, Monte frequented shows and concerts. He had a friend who was like a manager that would get orchestra seating which positioned him right in front of the stage. With that bright and enthusiastic smile, good looks and Jheri curl, he was often singled out and asked to come on stage....and of course his manager/friend encouraged him. Once on stage with Patti LaBeIle, as Monte sang with her, she turned to him and said, "I'ma scared of you!" Whenever Monte was at her concert, she would ask him to come on stage and sing and come backstage to party. He also sang on stage with Sissy Houston and many others. While living in Jersey, Monte attended The Cathedral Church and enjoyed playing tennis at the Woodbridge Racquet Club.

Monte’ answered "the call" to return home to Maryland, in 1992, to care for his mother, Catherine. During this time, he started a business singing for weddings, funerals and church services all over the East coast. The deep care and attention he gave his mother provided him with the additional skills needed to expand his business. In 1999, Monte became the minister of music at New St. John's United Methodist Church. In 2000, he became the choir director for the Women’s Choir. Under the late Reverend Vincent Hynson, Monte was appointed to the position of Trustee responsible for interior renovations. He oversaw all interior renovations, including working with contractors to install new floors, repair benches, upgrade the electric, painting, and bathroom plumbing updates. “And man, what a much-needed facelift.”

Monte’ moved to Washington, DC after his mother's passing to take care of his partner, Louis. During this time, he became the Director of the Men's Choir at Faith Moravian Church for 10 years. He attended Shiloh Baptist Church where he was a member of the choir who performed “The Messiah” every year during the Christmas holiday and one special year, Monte was the guest Baritone soloist for “The Messiah.” After Louis's passing, Monte moved back home to McDaniel. There he resumed all his previous musical positions and jobs, however, his clientele for caregiving increased. He added chauffeuring to his repertoire where he also did music ministry as he transported his clients. When a new client got into Monte's car, he would know their life story by thetime they reached their destination. With his regular clients, he knew much about their family connections. His humor was uncanny, and he had a comfortable rapport with each one.

Monte’ had a huge love for travel, but his declining health, within the last couple of years, prevented him from doing so. However, when he finally got his first cell phone, we knew we had created a monster! His cell phone connected him to the world.

Monte’ was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Hayward Preston Henry and his wife Joan, David Clayton Henry and his wife Evetta, his sister-in-law Gloria Henry, and his partner Louis Fiore.

Monte' leaves to cherish his memories, his beloved siblings, William F. Henry of Hurlock, MD, Dwight L. (Meredith) Henry of Mc Daniel, MD, Reverend Eric T. (Nadine) Henry of Harrington, DE, Pamela V. (Jill Christianson) Henry, of Columbia, MD, Marla Henry (Harold) Baines of St. Michaels, MD, and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and many special and beloved friends.