Obituary: Madeline E. Humphries, 81

Madeline E. Humphries 81, passed away Sunday, December 6, 2015 at Home & Hospice Care of Providence RI with her loving family by her side. She was born December 21, 1933 to Lyle Mathews and Lillian Young in Newport, RI.

She was preceded in death by her husband Willis Humphries.

At the age of one year she developed the virus, Polio. After undergoing many surgeries she was able to walk with the help of crutches and later a cane.

Madeline attended Milgrim Secretarial School and upon graduation she started her career as a bookkeeper for New Visions of Newport County. Madeline was then offered a job at the Martin Luther King Center as a secretary and later went on to become interim director. After many years of working at the center she decided to sell her house and move to Washington D.C. to be closer to her children. While in the Washington area Madeline worked for the Sisters of Mercy as secretary and coordinator. After retiring from the Sisters of Mercy she moved back to Newport where she lived until her death.

In retirement Madeline volunteered at Newport Hospital, Women’s Newport League and The Salvation Army. She has won several awards, including the President’s award from the Women’s Newport League and Mt Zion A.M.E. Church of Newport for continued years of service award. Madeline enjoyed spending time with her family and friends as well as playing the game of bingo.

Madeline leaves behind three sons, Larry Beverly of Upper Marlboro, MD, Kevin Humphries and wife Zina of Laurel, MD and Chris Humphries and wife Jennifer of Nottingham, MD. Granddaughters, Lauren Beverly, Nadia Humphries, Kevia Humphries and Christina Humphries. Siblings, Loretta Isom, Fern W. Matthews Lima and her husband John Lima, Thomas H. Matthews and his wife Donna, all of Newport. And many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her daughter Rita E. Humphries, brothers, Robert Young, Dwight Matthews and parents Lyle Matthews and Lillian Young.

A memorial service will be held at Cross Point Church of Newport on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 11a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army, 51 Memorial Blvd, Newport, RI 02840.