Velma Humphries

Velma Fowler Humphries, 98, of Spartanburg died on July 28, 2022 at White Oak Estates with her family at her side.

She was born March 30, 1924 on a small family farm in Sugar Tit, South Carolina. After graduation from Woodruff High School in 1941, she attended Cecil’s Business College to prepare for her work in the offices of the Lyman Mill. It was there that she met Robert Theron Humphries and was swept off her feet by the handsome soldier just home from the war in Europe. They soon wed and spent 61 wonderful years together.

Velma was a member of Bethany Baptist Church where she sang in the choir, arranged flowers for the altar, and taught Sunday School for over 60 years. The welfare of others led her to volunteer her time and boundless energy to many needs and causes. Most recently the young women of the Pregnancy Center of Spartanburg were the beneficiaries of her abundant wisdom and kindness.

For many years she and her sister, Dora Edwards, owned “The Drapery Shop” where they designed and crafted pillows, bedspreads, and draperies for some of the finest homes and businesses in Spartanburg.

After the death of her husband, Velma moved to White Oak Estates where she was an Independent resident for 10 years and made many lasting friendships. She was awarded “Resident of the Year” for her leadership and service to the community at White Oak.
When she wasn’t working or caring for her family and friends, Velma loved to play games and often organized groups to play board games or cards. Rummycube was one of her favorites and she taught half the residents of White Oak to play. During quieter times she did the daily crossword and Cryptoquote. Another passion was taking care of her many plants. She had a vast collection and her “green thumb” allowed her to resurrect greenery that others had given up on long ago. Reading was also a lifelong hobby and in her later years the bookmobile brought a constant stream of books for her to devour.

Velma, affectionately known as “Nenah” or “Toonie” to her loved ones, is survived by her daughters, Kay Humphries Maddox (Bob) of Spartanburg and Susan Humphries Corn (Buddy) of Greer; grandchildren Aaron Corn (Laura) of Leesburg, VA, Casey Corn Noble (Mike) of Greer, Dr. Chase Corn (Ramsey) of Nashville, TN, and Robert Maddox (Bridget) of St. Mary’s City, MD; 10 great-grandchildren Adrian Corn, Gracie Corn, Cooper Noble, Ainsley Maddox, McKenley Noble, Olivia Corn, Johnny Corn, Rushton Corn, Riggs Noble, and Raegan Maddox. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews that she adored.
Velma is predeceased by her husband, Robert T. Humphries, her parents, and all of her siblings, Jack Brockman Fowler, Esley Dupre “Tick” Fowler, Dora Fowler “Duck” Edwards, Don Wilson Fowler, and Newell Dean “Frog” Fowler.

 The last two years of her life were in the Skilled Nursing Center at White Oak. Her caregivers looked after her like family and became true friends. All of her family will be forever grateful to them for their love and kindness in her last years of life. We will all miss her humor, wisdom, bravery, grateful attitude, creativity, and fried chicken.

Velma’s family will receive friends at 11 o’clock on Saturday, August 6, at Bethel United Methodist Church, 245 South Church, Spartanburg. A Celebration of Life for her family and many friends will be at 12 o’clock in the sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Carolina Pregnancy Center, 103 Metro Drive, Spartanburg, SC, 29303, and note that the donation is in memory of Velma Humphries, or to Regional Hospice Home, 686 Jeff Davis Drive, Spartanburg, SC, 29303.