Vivian (Billie) Humphries' Obituary
Vivian (Billie) Humphries
Billie Humphries passed away peacefully in the company of family Saturday, November 8, 2014 at the grand age of 97. She left with no regrets, nothing left unspoken, nothing left undone. She lived a very long and satisfying life, loving all with whom she shared her world, and was beloved by all whom she encountered. Billie had a unique generosity of spirit and was appreciated greatly as a friend, companion, advisor, mother and grandmother.
One of Billie's defining characteristics was to take those in need of a friend, mentor, or supporter into her heart and, in some cases, into her home. There were many, many occasions over the years when her dining table and home would include both immediate family and adopted family members. While the legal mother only of one surviving son; she departed leaving many sons and daughters whose lives and character are better for her motherly embrace.
Billie lived her life with a spirited southern grace and colorful sense of humor. She had a unique ability to make one feel unconditionally supported and embraced in anything or any endeavor. One also came away feeling deeply accountable and wanting to make her proud. She had high standards for herself and deep-seated values born of her country upbringing and Christian faith. She was sought-out when in need of counsel or embrace - without judgment.
Born in her family's home near Brookhaven, MS, Billie left rural Mississippi in her mid-twenties and travelled the world as wife to Pan American Airline Pilot, Cooper L Humphries, who preceded her in death. She and Cooper lived abroad at times, including Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in the 1940s, Munich and Berlin, Germany in the 1960s, and travelled to all continents, developing a global perspective reflective of their travels.
One of nine siblings, she is survived by sister Maxie Overbey of Jackson, MS and brother Hal Ray Owens of Brookhaven, MS; her son, Michael Humphries and his wife Judith Ralston; and grandchildren Michelle and Graham Humphries. She was preceded in death by her son from a prior marriage, Sam Tolar of Jackson, MS.
The family will be hosting a memorial celebration of Billie's life on Sunday, February 22nd at 2:00PM at Moss Feaster Funeral Home, 693 S. Belcher Road, Clearwater, FL. She will be laid to rest thereafter next to her beloved husband Cooper in the family plot in Largo, Florida. In lieu of flowers, Billie asked that donations in recognition of a life well-lived be made to a fund in her name at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; the family will match all such donations.
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