A celebration of life service for Zelma Spivey Humphries, 93, of Clarkesville, was held Monday, Oct. 10, at Hillside Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Terry Rice, the Rev. Adam Humphries, and the Rev. Tim Humphries officiating. Interment followed in Habersham Cemetery with the Rev. Kenneth McEntire officiating at the graveside.
Mrs. Humphries was called to meet her Lord and Savior Friday, Oct. 7, 2022.
Born Jan. 12, 1929, in Clarkesville, she was the youngest child born to the late William Aaron and Maude Nicholson Spivey. In addition to her parents Zelma was preceded in death by loving husband, the Rev. John Humphries; her son-in-law, David Norton; great-granddaughter, Kathryn Norton; many brothers, sisters, and was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Zelma was of the Baptist faith and practiced it in her daily life. She was a daily Bible reader and a prayer warrior. Zelma was a gifted seamstress, making her daughter lots of clothes for school, crocheting, making beautiful quilts and many, many oil paintings. Her family and friends were recipients of her beautiful work. She definitely had a green thumb when it came to flowers and gardening. You never came to her home and left hungry. There was usually a chocolate, lemon, or coconut cake to partake from in her kitchen. Everyone loved her biscuits and tried copying them.
Zelma and her husband, the Rev. John Humphries were married 69 years, seven months, and 23 days before he was called to his heavenly home. As a pastor's wife, she and her husband wanted every person in the church to feel special and valued. She helped plan suppers and bus trips to promote fellowship and friendship among the congregation. She volunteered to help youth choirs, Christmas plays, and was a quiet spirit, mostly behind the scenes, never seeking attention or applause. She loved people and sought only to glorify God.
While her bi-vocational husband pastor attended to his many duties, she kept the home fires burning. Her daughter and son had her full-time attention and care. Her children always had clean clothes to wear and always a delicious hot meal on the table. She was a wonderful blessing to her family. She felt every child deserves to have their mother's priorities in their best interest: God, family, church, education, and work. May God bless the selfless mothers who dedicate their energies and talents solely for the benefit of their husband and children first, and then to others. What will be her next assignment?
Survivors include her daughter, Marsha Norton of Mount Airy; son and daughter-in-law, the Rev. William Timothy and Lavonna Humphries of Stockbridge; grandchildren, the Rev. Adam and Amanda Humphries, Laura Humphries Williams and Brandon Williams, Charles and Lisa Norton, and Eric Norton; great-grandchildren, Addison, Adrian, Anniston, Avery and Avalynn Humphries; Audrey and Reid Williams; and Sadie Norton.
In lieu of flowers, you may donate to Habersham Cemetery Association in memory of Mrs. Zelma, P.O. Box 521, Clarkesville, GA. 30523.
A special thank you to the staff of Kindred Hospice.
An online guest registry is available for the Humphries family at HillsideMemorialChapel.com.
Arrangements are in the care and professional direction of Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens of Clarkesville.