James Winfred Humphrey was born on July 7, 1940, to the late Roy W. Humphrey and
Estella Robinson Humphrey in Saint Pauls, North Carolina. He departed this life on
Thursday, April 27, 2023, at his home in Glenarden, Maryland.
James attended North Carolina public schools and graduated from St. Pauls High School.
He accepted Christ at an early age and joined Pleasant View Mission Baptist Church in
Saint Pauls, North Carolina. James’ favorite bible verse, which he wore around his neck
daily, was “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13.
After relocating to Washington, DC he secured a job where unbeknownst to him, he
would meet the love of his life. While working next door to White Tower Eatery he met
an attractive server, named Dorsena (Doris) Johnson who became his loving wife of 58
years on July 17, 1960. James was a loving husband, father and dedicated family man
who took great pride in supporting his family. He worked as a security guard, he was a
master mechanic, and he also worked at Rental Tools. James later secured a job with
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority as a diesel mechanic from which he
retired in 2002 after 27 years of service. James enjoyed music and this love of music led
to him becoming a DJ in his spare time. He would provide music for weddings, birthdays
or any other parties requested and was known as “The Mighty Hump”.
He leaves to celebrate and cherish his loving memories and life, his three devoted
children, Curtis W. Humphrey of Capitol Heights, MD, Denise D. Taylor of Brandywine,
MD and Lavonna E. Humphrey of Glenarden, MD; one brother, Walter L. Humphrey of
Lumberton, NC and one sister, Emma H. Franklin of North Brentwood, MD; three
sisters-in-law Mary Humphrey of Suitland, MD, Katherine Johnson of Florence, SC and
Catherine Johnson of Upper Marlboro, MD; and a special cousin, Aszlee Witherspoon of
Baltimore MD; 12 grandchildren, Danielle (Charles), Nicole (Wayne), William-II, Curtis,
Derek (Shanise), Calvin, Michael, Carl, Dennis, Kahlil, Mariah and Sontee; 18 great-
grands, Mekhi, William-III, De’Jah, Micah, Zariah, Makiah, Caden, Kameron, Shania,
Caleb, Kaden, Jhules, Janyia, Jaxx, Cree, Alex, Wynter and Ja’Kobi; and a host of nieces,
nephews, in-laws, family and friends.
James Winfred Humphrey was preceded in death by his wife of over 58 wonderful years,
Dorsena Deloris Humphrey, his son, James M. Humphrey, his sisters, Daisy L. Furbush,
and Lasenia Pope, and his brother, John L. Humphrey.
“And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! For then I would fly away, and be at rest”
Psalm 55:6
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