Henry Alexander Mullen, Jr.

Henry Alexander Mullen, Jr. was born on Wednesday, June 30, 1948, to Bessie Mae Giles (Mullen) and Henry Alexander Mullen in his hometown of Detroit, Michigan. He was their only son and the third of four children: Gloria (deceased), Charlene (deceased), and Deborah. Growing up, Henry was a great student. At a young age, his favorite subjects were spelling and math, and he also developed a love for fishing. In his teenage years, he participated in wrestling and football. He graduated from Northern High School in 1966, and soon after, he married and had two children within that union: Marvin and Michael Mullen. After the 1967 riots in Detroit, Henry decided to take up a trade, enrolling in plumbing school. Over the years, he held several jobs through his local plumbing union. Later, in 1979, he got married for a second time to Geraldine Mullen and in the following year gave birth to their youngest daughter, Munirah (Nia). Shortly after marrying Gerry, he applied for a plumbing position at the Detroit Public School System (DPS). Henry bought his family’s first home in 1987 on Detroit's east side. He supported his family as a master plumber for thirty years with DPS before retiring and moving to Conyers, Georgia in 2007. Throughout his life, Henry enjoyed spending time with family, traveling, playing cards with friends, fishing on the Detroit piers, listening to reggae, and many other music genres. He spent much time working on his favorite old cars, including the infamous “Road Runner,” a 1969 Dodge Road Runner that would often wake the neighbors. He always had two conversion vans, an old one for work and a nice one to load up his family and travel south for vacations. Bayman, Uncle Bay, or Pop-Pop, as many family members call him, was a real family man. He enjoyed capturing memories of family dinners, barbecues, and funny moments with his grandchildren. He was often behind the camera, capturing memories rather than in front. His grandchildren were his joy. He made special moments with them through extensive conversations, taking them to new and fun places and handing out dollars before they went home. Henry was a reliable husband, father, brother, and friend, helping many people in their time of need. He was very generous with his resources and believed in supporting and enlightening his people. He was known for being adamant about sharing his knowledge of who we are as melanated people. His impact over the years spans across states and includes people from all walks of life. He was a father figure to many, offering a place to stay, financial assistance, and just sound advice and encouragement. He always stressed to “know who you are” and “use your power.” In 2016, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and his health began declining. His caring wife and family kept him comfortable at home and provided him with the best quality of life. On the morning of November 10, 2023, Henry took his last breath and was reunited with his parents and friends who passed on before him. Henry was the patriarch of his family, leaving behind his loving wife, Geraldine Mullen, three beautiful daughters, Shannon (Brian), April, Munirah, and stepson Iverson (Cheryl). He is loved and dearly missed by his grandchildren: Brian (P-Nut), BreShana, Ashley, Kevin Jr., Shonye, Stephen, Shamari, Deja, Raymond, Kristian, and Kaleb. As well as his great-grandchildren: Niyah, Isabella, Giselle, Jayden, and Nalani. He also leaves memories with his sons Marvin (Tia) and Michael (Ernestine), and between them, eight grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren (one preceding him in death). Henry will be remembered by his sister Deborah and his nephews Kevin (Joy), Derrick (Connie), Binky, and cousins. He is deeply loved and missed by his Giles family and a host of other family members. Celebration of Life will be Saturday, November 18, 2023, 1:00 p.m. at Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory- Rockdale Chapel,1999 Hwy. 138 SE, Conyers GA.

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Henry Alexander Mullen, Jr.

June 30, 1948 - November 10, 2023