Honoring Our Past

The DeMarion Sankofa Foundation was created to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Henry Earl Marion, who placed great value on education and living a life in service to others. Henry, who moved his family to Aberdeen in the 1970s, quickly became a serial entrepreneur – though he only had a 5th grade education. Henry owned DeMarion Janitorial Services (which employed 700 people at U.S. Federal Buildings in seven states), Henry’s Barbecue (a gas station, restaurant, and grocery store), two apartment complexes, and ABC Nursery (a daycare and preschool). 

Henry was a pillar in the Aberdeen, MS community and continually poured into the lives of others – especially the youth – by creating and providing job opportunities, whether it was through selling candy or working at one of his many businesses listed above. Henry was a true humanitarian, often helping people by paying their light bill or rent without their knowledge, and he helped countless people start their own businesses as well.

Henry was well acquainted with hard work and instilled this in his own children. He set the proper example of how to be a man of character with principles, morals, values and is greatly missed.  His family is honored to continue his legacy through the DeMarion Sankofa Foundation.