The Virture of A Rose
Growing in the garden of virtue was a beautiful rose--unique by design--with soft petals of many colors. Such a rose was Josephine Humphrey, one of God's masterful creations. She was a woman of virtue, of love, strength, honor, beauty, courage, and joy. She was born on July 30, 1908 to Charlie and Mary Hewlett in Madison County, Alabama, and just five months short of her 100th birthday she departed this life on February 25 to go be with the Lord. Josephine received her calling of excellence as a Christian, as a daughter, as a sister, as a wife, and as a mother. Her husband praised her and her children called her blessed.
As a rose, Josephine wore the color red to symbolize her passion and love for God and for her family. She was married to the late John D. Humphrey. To this blessed union came 13 children; nine preceded her in death: Ronnie, William, Howard, Thomas, Erbie, Jimmy, John Davis, Velma and Charlie Mae.
As a rose, she wore yellow to symbolize her strength and honor as a virtuous woman. She opened her heart and home to all. She never knew a stranger and many were fed around her table. Preparing her food with love and her exquisite talent for cooking, expressed the warmth of her heart and of her character. She was active in the community and in the lives and events of many youth in addition to her own, which included serving as President of the Council High School and the Winston Street Elementary School PTA's. Josephine proudly held the distinction of being a member of and serving her community through the Pansy Chapter 203 of the Order of Eastern Stars and held the distinction of being a Past Worthy Matron.
"Mother Humphrey" served as a domestic worker; worked at Huntsville Hospital in the labor and delivery unit; and served through the Community Action Agency as a social worker. After her retirement, she served as a home daycare operator for many families of whom still remained close to "Mother Humphrey" and her family well after their children entered the Alabama school system.
As a rose, she had petals of cream that symbolized her graciousness and beauty. She was always kind and soft spoken while strong in her opinion and in her beliefs. She had an infectious smile that warmed many souls. She was "Muh" to her children; affectionately called "Big Mama" by more than just her own grandchildren and great grandchildren; and lovingly called "Miss Josie" by her contemporaries, colleagues and friends. Her words of encouragement were often tempered with words of caution to those who listened.
As a rose, she wore petals of purple that symbolized her lineage and her place in the royal family of God. Having given her life to Christ at an early age she was devoted to making her home a household of believers. She first united with Hurricane Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Madison County, Alabama and later united with First Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorship of the late Reverend H. P. Snodgrass. She faithfully took her children to church and encouraged her children to do the same with their children. As a child of the King, she was always faithful in her service until her health prevented her physical involvement. Yet, she courageously met the challenges of her life with the dignity and royalty that flowed through her veins. As a part of her Christian commitment, she was a member of the Chorus, Missionary Circle #1, the Sick-and-Shut-In and Bereavement Committee, and the Deaconess Board over a span of years as a member of First Missionary Baptist Church.
In this garden of virtue, Josephine Humphrey has made a sweet difference in the fragrance of the world in the beauty of the earth, and in the lives of all who knew her. Those who will ever remember her smile, her kindness and her virtue include her five daughters, Lillian and Doris Humphrey of Huntsville, Alabama; Shirley Ann (Clifton) Brown of Macedonia, Ohio; Ruby Jean Lynch of Huntsville, Alabama; and Norma (Eldon) Hughlon of Kansas City, Missouri; her "adopted daughter", Harriet (Willie) Littlepage; forty-five grandchildren; and a host of great grandchildren; nieces; nephews; cousins; other relatives; and close family friends.
Funeral services for Mrs. Humphrey will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2008 from the First Missionary Baptist Church at 3509 Blue Spring Road in Huntsville, AL with Reverend Dr. Julius R. Scruggs officiating. The Humphrey family will receive friends from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, February 29, 2008 from the Nelms Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. The remains of Mrs. Humphrey will be in the church one hour prior to funeral time.