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The Life of a Praying Woman On March 21, 1926, Rena Mae Withers, the youngest of twin girls, was born in Jeanerette, Louisiana to the union of the late Arthur and Elizabeth Syrie Withers. She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at the Calvary Baptist Church in Jeanerette under the pastoral leadership of the late Rev. H. A. Hills. Educated in the Jeanerette, Louisiana public schools, Rena was a graduate of Jeanerette Colored High School. She moved to Galveston as a young woman and began her career at John Sealy Hospital in the Central Service Department. Galveston held a very special place in Rena’s heart. It was there where she met the love of her life, Nathaniel Humphrey. On October 3, 1946, Rena and Nathaniel were united in marriage at the St. Paul Methodist Church in Galveston, Texas by the late Rev. R. H. White. To this union, God blessed the Humphreys with one son, John. As an extremely active member of St. Paul Methodist Church, Rena served faithfully by working with the Youth Department and Sunday School. After Nathaniel accepted his call to the ministry, his pastoral service spanned more than four decades and Rena served right by his side as a true “First Lady.” Rev. Humphrey and Sis. Rena served congregations in Pittsburg, Honey Grove, and Jefferson, Texas; St. Mary’s Methodist Church, Houston; St. Mark’s Methodist Church, Houston; McCabe United Methodist Church, Beaumont; St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Port Arthur, Texas; McKinney Memorial United Methodist Church, La Marque; and finally, the Angleton Circuit. In her later years, she united with Greater St. Matthews Baptist Church in Hitchcock under the pastoral leadership of Dr. William L. Randall, Jr. With the family moving frequently for Pastor Humphrey’s ministerial appointments, Rena worked at Some Other Place in Beaumont, Texas; Booker T. Washington Elementary School, Port Arthur, Texas where she was Librarian of the Satellite Library; Galveston County Community Action Counsel Senior Citizens Site in La Marque, Texas; and K-Mart in Texas City, Texas City, where she was known as #44. She also served as Church Secretary and worked with the after-school program for the youth at McKinney Memorial United Methodist Church in La Marque. A true First Lady fashionista, she was a woman who loved colors and was well known for her stylish Sunday suits and hats. She believed in always looking her best in God’s House. Rena was faithful to her church, community and anyone that would ask of her service. She was a member of the Prince Hall Masonic family holding membership in Ramona Chapter #25 Order of Eastern Star - Norris Wright Cuney Grand Chapter and Lakeview Court #262 Heroines of Jericho - GHCHOJTX. Believing in the power of prayer, she and Pastor Humphrey founded the Ecumenical Prayer Partners Prayer Hall of Fame. Many Galveston County citizens and those beyond were inducted into the Hall of Fame between 1989 and 2009. Rena had an immense passion for children. She taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at each church and was known for her legendary Easter and Christmas Programs that not only featured the children of the church, but the entire community. Under her skillful leadership and tenacity, the children of St. Paul in Port Arthur had the honor to appear on television during the Christmas season. She served annually as a Camp Counselor for the United Methodist Youth Camp. The program dearest to Rena’s heart was “The Children’s Flower Pageant.” Rena’s indelible compassionate and caring mark on each person she encountered will be deeply missed. She never met a stranger, she loved all children, and she served all mankind. Rena also had a way with words, and it was almost impossible to tell her no when she uttered those words “The Lord hath need of you!” On September 11, 2024, at 7:30 pm, she heard those exact words, “The Lord hath need of you!” and she peacefully passed from time into eternity after a fruitful life of 98 years. She is preceded in death by her parents, and her Humphrey in-laws. Those who are left to celebrate her dedicated Christian life are: her son, John N. Humphrey; a bonus daughter and son who were her devoted caregivers until the end, Angela Michelle Callis, Roy Robinson and family; a bonus granddaughter, Elaine L. Rodgers; four great-grandchildren, Lee Jr., Kaleah, Kalee and Kace; and many extended family members and friends.

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Rena M Humphrey

March 21, 1926 - September 11, 2024