JANS – Herbert Neil D’Anjou, affectionately known as “Herb,” passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on July 8, 2024, in Jackson, Mississippi. Born on May 1, 1931, in Georgetown, Guyana, Herb was the beloved son of Alfred and Ruth D’Anjou and the younger brother of George D’Anjou.
As a child, Herb enjoyed playing soccer, croquet, and participating in church activities with his father, a preacher. By the age of 14, Herb had already become an electrician. In his 20s, he relocated to the United States, staying with his beloved “Cousin Dolly” D’Anjou. Herb pursued higher education with determination, earning a degree in Electrical Engineering from Kentucky State University and a master’s degree in Education from Wayne State University.
In the late 1970s, Herb significantly impacted the Alcorn community, working as an instructor and head of buildings and grounds at Alcorn State University. He also managed the family business, “Patton’s Grocery Since 1880,” in Lorman, Mississippi. Under his leadership, the business expanded into a mega center, including an auto parts and repair division, a game room, an event center for students, a community daycare, two restaurants, a convenience store, and a gas station. He later developed a student housing complex nearby and purchased land and a gas station in Vicksburg, Mississippi, where the current casino now sits. Additionally, he acquired the “3 Way Grocery” store in Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Herb was not only a community leader but also a visionary who wanted the very best for his family and community. He was a strict disciplinarian, an ardent educator, and an avid supporter of Alcorn State University. In 1987, he founded H&M Contractors, serving the Jackson, Mississippi, area for nearly 30 years. He mentored many young men in apprenticeships, teaching them skills in heating and air, electrical work, and basic home and commercial repair, helping them start their own businesses.
Herb married Thelma Laura in 1961, and they had two sons, Avant (Celena) and Neil D’Anjou. They divorced in 1968. In 1972, he married Ethel Patton, and they had four sons: Pierre, Patton, Francois, and Levi (Keshia) D’Anjou. They divorced in 1986.
Herb is survived by his sons and their families, as well as grandchildren Aleshia, John L., Avant II, Richard, Isiah, Daven, Alexander, Alicia, Alexis, Amber, Levi II, Nyla, Tierra, Pierre II, Stephan, Stephanie, Josiah, and Steven. He is also survived by great-grandchildren Shad, Avantiea, Pillar, Ava, Isiah II, Cohen, Aalaynah, Tristian, Rae’niah, Davontra, and Tristan, as well as his older brother George’s children: John Maxey, Hannah, Eunice, and Abigail D’Anjou.
Herb stressed the importance of education and loved discussing philosophy and politics. He was a big fan of the New Orleans Saints and Alcorn State football and enjoyed swimming, bowling, and ping pong. He loved traveling the world and often visited his native Guyana to support his family, bringing several family members to the United States, including his mother.
Herb was wise, highly educated, charismatic, charming, and courageous. He left an incredible level of respect and legacy through his six sons who have become good men. While not perfect, but as a friend, you won’t find men with kinder hearts.
Viewing will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on July 26, with the life of Herb D’Anjou celebrated on July 27 at 1:00 p.m. at Westhaven Funeral Home, 3580 Robinson Road, Jackson, MS 39209. Those wishing to send flowers in his memory may send them to Westhaven Funeral Home at the same address.
Finally, he was a preacher, his father was a preacher, and he married a former nun. He believed in God and respected anyone who also respected God and His plan for their life. And with God backing your plan, to get to his level of leaving a good legacy to build on after 93 years, he would simply say, “Plan your work, and work your plan.”
