Ada Mae Humphries by Jerry Madison Harrison

Life’s Reflections

Today, we gather to honor the life of a beautiful woman—Mrs. Ada Humphries. At 95 years young, she graced us with her presence, embodying love, faith, and resilience. Born to the late Benny Wilson and Johnnie Mae Fisher. Her mother later married the late John B. Jackson Sr., and to this union, she became the oldest of five children: John B. Jackson, Jr., Clyde B. Jackson, Johnnie Etta Johnson and Dorothy Jackson Bellard.

From a young age, Madear, as she is so fondly called by her children, accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior. Her most memorable demonstration of her commitment to the Lord was lived out through her unwavering faith in her service at St. Matthew Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee, under the leadership of Reverend Patrick Lewis. As a senior Mother of the Church, she offered wisdom, love, and guidance to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her gentle spirit and positive presence left a lasting impact on the congregation, and her commitment to serving the Lord was evident in her actions. She also served faithfully into her seasoned years as a mother of the church, Sunday School Teacher, Mission Ministry Servant, Willing Workers Group participant, and on the Mother’s Board till declining health made this impossible to do. Pastor Lewis described Mother Humphries as a very humble, loving, and caring woman. “She never spoke a harsh word against anyone. Mother Humphries loved and served the Lord.”

She was a product of the Harrison County School District and attended Pemberton High School in Marshall, Texas. In her early life, she worked diligently as a head sous chef at Circus Circus Casino in Las Vegas, bringing joy to those who tasted her wonderful creations. She later moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where she continued her passion for service until retirement.

Madear treasured spending time with her family and friends. Her love for fishing was only rivaled by her love for her children and grandchildren. Each cast of the fishing line symbolized her ability to find peace in life’s simple pleasures—a reminder of the serene beauty she brought into our lives.

On November 3, 2024, God sent an angel from heaven to escort the oldest living matriarch of our family to be reunited with her heavenly family: her husband: Aaron Humphries, father, Benny Wilson; mother and stepfather: Johnnie Mae Jackson & John B. Jackson, Sr, two sons: Renaldo Johnson, Carlos Davidson; grandson: Carlton Davidson, great-grandson: Kingston Davidson; brother: John B. Jackson, Jr (Georgia) and sister: Johnnie Etta Johnson; sister Thelma Reese and a significant host of special relatives. While her physical presence here will be missed, we hold dear the memories that forever bind us to her spirit.

Madear leaves behind her children: Shirley Johnson, Carolyn Bell (Brian), Veronica Davidson, Emeldrid Nwankwo (Ken), Carmen Hicks (Chris), Shelia Davidson, Ronnie Davidson, Terry Davidson and Earnest Taylor (Pat), two bonus daughters, Cynthia Boyce and Donna Gooden; five generations of grand, great-grand, great-great grandchildren; a brother, Clyde Jackson and sister, Dorothy Jackson Bellard; nieces and nephews; and a host of special relatives and friends.

Mrs. Ada Mae Humphries, you have fulfilled your dash in life, and we look forward to the glorious day when we will be reunited with you in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. All debts have been settled and paid in full, enjoy your rest.

“Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things.”

Matthew 25:21 NKJV

Order of Celebration

Friday, November 22, 2024 11:00 A.M.

Harrison’s Memorial Chapel, Inc. 33320 Millbranch Road • Memphis, Tennessee 38116 Reverend Patrick Lewis, Sr., Officiant

Processional...................................................................................The Family of Mrs. Ada Humphries

Invocation....................................................................................................Reverend Patrick Lewis, Sr.

Musical Selection...............................................................................................................Tamela Mann

“Take Me To The King”

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: Psalm 23.......................................................................Minister Cynthia Boyce

New Testament: Ecclesiastes 3 & Romans 10:9-13.............................Reverend Dr. Doni Evans

Musical Selection.......................................................................................................Donnie McClurkin

“We Fall Down”

Expressions of Love

(Respectfully, Two Minutes Please) Ms. Evelyn Graham Mrs. Campbell

Musical Selection..............................................................................................................Patricia Smith

Resolution..................................................................................................................Ms. Joyce Mitchell

Acknowledgements...............................................................................................Ms. Latonya Davidson Granddaughter

Musical Selection.................................................................................................................“Psalm 23”

Eulogy..........................................................................................................Pastor Hollis E. Dotson, Sr. (Delivered by his wife, Mrs. LaToya Dotson (Granddaughter) Reverend Veronica Davidson Recessional

~ Acknowledgements ~

Perhaps you sent a lovely card, sat quietly in a chair. Perhaps you sent those beautiful flowers, that we saw sitting there. Perhaps you spoke the kindest words, as any friend could say. Perhaps you were not there at all, just thought of us that day. Whatever you did to console our hearts we thank you so much whatever your part. Many thanks to her caregivers for providing our mother with excellent care.

~The Family