Esther Humphreys' Obituary
Esther C. Humphreys, daughter of Ulysses Grant and Julia Ann Adams Jones, was born August 6, 1912, near Orla, Missouri. She departed this life Friday, April 18, 2008, in her home, near Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of ninety-five years, eight months, and twelve days. On November 17, 1934, she was united in marriage to Clay E. Humphreys, and to this union one daughter and two sons were born. Esther and Clay shared sixty-three years together before his passing on January 9, 1998. She was also preceded in death by her parents; a son, Teddie Ellis Humphreys; five brothers, Raymond, Earl, Roy, and Lee Jones, and an infant; and two sisters, Nola Jones, and Clara Howell. Esther is survived by a son, Donnie Humphreys, and his wife, Pam, of Lebanon, Missouri; a daughter, Suzann Gladden, and her husband, Tom, of El Dorado Springs, Missouri; a daughter-in-law, Mary Humphreys, of Independence, Missouri; six grandchildren, Tammi Hicks, and her husband, Gary, Amy Mackey, and her husband, Lucas, Julie Quick, and her husband, Rusty, Alesia Burns, Melissa Kallenbach, and her husband, Roger, and Jonathan Humphreys; ten great-grandchildren; a number of nieces and nephews; a special friend, Marie Beard, of Lebanon, Missouri; as well as a host of other relatives and many friends. She was born and raised in the Orla community. Shortly after she and Clay were married, they made their home on their dairy farm, near Lebanon, where she lived for over sixty-eight years. She and Clay were loving parents to their own children and also cared for a foster child for three months during the 1950’s. In addition to being a devoted homemaker to her husband and family, Esther also helped in the operation of the farm, particularly feeding the baby calves. She continued to be a help and inspiration to her family throughout her long life. Esther was a member of the Fairview United Methodist Church for all of her life and was very active in the United Methodist Women. She and Clay also were the caretakers of the church building for many years. She served as secretary of the McBride Cemetery for a number of years and was a member of the Orla Extension Club since 1941. She occupied her time growing a garden each year and canning her homegrown produce. She was an excellent seamstress and enjoyed making dresses for her granddaughters. She also liked doing crocheting during her quiet times at home. Esther was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt, and was always a Christian lady to her neighbors and many friends. We celebrate her life of ninety-five years, and will cherish all the wonderful memories she created for her family and friends. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 21, 2008, in the Holman-Howe Funeral Home, Lebanon. Burial will be in the McBride Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday evening from 7 - 8:30 p.m. under the direction of Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Lebanon, Missouri. Memorials to the McBride Cemetery may be made through the funeral home. Return to top
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