Rita Anette Humphrey
November 20, 1944 ~ May 29, 2021
Rita Anette McKinney Humphrey passed from this life and into the arms of Jesus on May 29, 2021, surrounded by her children at her home in Katy, Tx. She was 76 years old. Rita was born on November 20, 1944 in Harris County, Tx to Ella Rene (Elarene) Amox McKinney and Norris Porter McKinney. She was the youngest of 4 children and was preceded in death by both of her parents. Rita’s father passed away when she was only 8 years old, leaving her mother to care for 4 children during an era when men were the bread winners and women were homemakers. Rita had a less than ideal childhood, as growing up without her father brought many financial and emotional hardships. On October 10, 1966, at 22 years old, Rita gave birth to her first child, a girl. Rita was unmarried and felt no choice but to put her baby up for adoption in hopes her baby would be given a better life than what she was able to provide. It was truly a heart wrenching decision for her. Several years later, Rita married Joe Humphrey and had 2 more children, a boy and a girl. Jay, born in 1978 and Krista, born in 1981. Rita enjoyed being a homemaker until her divorce from Joe in 1993. After this, Rita worked several jobs to make ends meet until finally joining the Angelina County Adult probation office as a Case Tech in the early 2000’s and retiring from her position as Court Liaison in 2010. In 1998, Rita was overcome with joy after being contacted by her first born, who was now 32 years old, with 3 children of her own. Her name was Maribeth Jones, and she had grown up in Webster and Friendswood, Tx. Maribeth had also attended Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Tx. She even lived on Humphrey Rd for a short time while in college in Nacogdoches (how ironic), while Rita lived, raising her family, in Lufkin, Tx., only 30 minutes away. Rita lived a simple life, and wouldn’t have had it any other way. She was always overly concerned with caring for everyone else before herself, she was the epitome of selflessness. Her legacy continues to live here on this earth through her family of 3 children, Maribeth Kagawa Jones, and husband Randy, of Huffman, Tx., Jay Allen Humphrey, of Katy, Tx., Krista Alaine Wakefield, and husband Glenn, of Diana, Tx., her beloved grandchildren, CJ Jones, and wife Allison, of Huffman, Tx., Jordan Jones, of Tyler, Tx., Mason Jones, of Huffman, Tx., Hannah Humphrey of Houston, Tx., Kaid Brack, Trenton Wakefield, and Brooklyn Wakefield, of Diana, Tx., along with her 3 older siblings, a few aunts, uncles, and several very dear cousins. Rita loved her family beyond words, as well as a few close friends she considered as family. When she was still able, Rita enjoyed sewing, which she was very talented at. Growing up poor, even as a teenager, Rita often sewed her own clothes that looked like they came from the department store. If there was one thing she taught her family throughout the years, it was how to live in the moment; To disregard all of the seemingly meaningless chores in favor of enjoying life and those around you. When life became overwhelming, she would always remind us that the chores “aren’t going anywhere”, and to slow down and enjoy life and our loved ones. She taught us that happiness comes from within our own hearts and not something to be achieved from material possessions, or other people. Her spunkiness, candid sense of humor, words of wisdom about life, and her unconditional, selfless loving spirit will always be deeply missed.
Services for Ms. Humphrey will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 4, 2021 at Reeder-Davis Chapel. Burial will follow at Harris Chapel Cemetery under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Hughes Springs.
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Rita was a schoolmate and much more, she was a friend
What through the radiance which was once so bright. Be now for ever taken from my sight, Though nothing can bring back the hour Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the Flower, We will grieve not, rather find Strength in what remains behind. By William Wordsworth
I cannot believe you are gone. Please give Darrin a hug for me. See you again my friend. Love you.
We were classmates in A ginger. So sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
Our love to all
Rita always was there for her family, always available to lend a helping hand. She was a dear friend, and will always be missed.