Anita Nolen Humphreys
Anita Nolen Humphreys
October 9, 1937 ~ September 3, 2024
Anita (Nita) Nolen Humphreys passed away peacefully in the comfort of her favorite little East Texas town of Holly Lake Ranch on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at the age of 86 years old. Nita was born on October 9, 1937 in the town of Champaign, IL to parents Ben & Beatrice Nolen. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Herman Horace Humphreys Jr, siblings Oradel Morris, Peggy Barrett and Ben Nolen Jr, as well as grandsons Bryan Keith Vaughan and Nathan Humphreys.
She is survived by her daughter Neva Fanelli & husband George of Harleysville, PA, daughter Carla Eichelberger of Tyler, TX, son Stewart Humphreys and wife Ally of Denton, TX, daughter Dina Humphreys and long time partner Jim Henry of Holly Lake Ranch, TX plus her bonus son (nephew) Brad Eberenz of Lake Tawakoni, TX. Nita also had 17 wonderful grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.
Nita grew up in her early years in her family's lake house in northern Illinois. She later met her husband Herm while they were attending college at SMU in Dallas then went on to enjoy more than 58 years of marriage. Nita & Herm were longtime residents of Irving, TX for 38 years where they raised their 4 children and owned their sporting goods store, Humphreys Sport Spot, for over 10 years. They eventually transitioned to their awards engraving business which they ran together for over 35 years. After living in Irving for many years, Nita & Herm also resided in Copper Canyon, TX area for over 15 years.
Eventually Nita found her way out to East Texas to live her last 4 years in the beautiful pineywoods community of Holly Lake Ranch. She absolutely loved the slower pace of life, the peacefulness, the friendly folks and all the cute little critters that were abundant in the wooded paradise in the pines.
Family and friends were very important to Nita, and she was always welcoming everyone into her home especially at the holidays and for special occasions. Her friends loved her infectious smile and her family adored her hugs. She enjoyed gathering around the table to play cards & board games or making cookies and special treats. Nita was a very giving soul and was always assisting family members & friends who were a little down on their luck or needed a helping hand to get past a rough patch. And, a huge passion of hers was the companionship of all of the fur babies she had through the years. Nita & Herm were always taking in strays that needed a loving home. Nothing gave her more joy than cuddling with her puppies.
Join us in honoring the life of Anita Humphreys at the memorial service to be held on Saturday, September 7 at 4pm at Holly Brook Baptist Church at 3219 S. FM 2869 in Hawkins, TX followed by a Celebration of Life hosted at Holly Hall located on the West Side of Holly Lake Ranch next to the HLRA Administration Building at 220 Holly Lodge Circle. Anita will be laid to rest with her husband Herm on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at the DFW National Cemetery in Dallas. Services have been entrusted to Horn-Nail-Haggard Funeral Home of Daingerfield.
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My mom meant the world to me. She was very giving to those who needed a helping hand whether it be a shoulder to cry on, a place to stay in her home, a hot meal, babysitting, or cash. She was extremely intelligent and had a knack for everything math and she was an excellent writer. She treasured her time with family, especially her grandchildren. My mom was always there for me and my children any time I needed her. She listened, she offered wise advice, yet there were times when she was stubborn and pouted for days. She always came around and acted like nothing happened. She never wanted to talk about what upset her because she flat refused to go backwards to the past because that meant there was a chance she would get upset again. She was a happy camper about 98% of the time. I loved being around her and having very interesting and thought-provoking conversations. I learned so much from her – how to cook, sew, help people, problem solve, show my creativity, and numerous other life lessons. She was definitely one-of-a-kind and I already miss her terribly. Mom, I know you are happy beyond measure where you are now. Love you always, your oldest daughter, Neva.
Mom’s 2 oldest daughters – Carla and Nevs
Dad, Mom, daughter Neva and her 2 kids – Bryan and Jamie
The Kissing Bandits (Nita and Herm)
Mom and oldest daughter, Neva, on their Hawaiian cruise celebrating Mom and Dad’s 50th anniversary.
Chelsea and her grand-twin (same birthday – month/date), Nita.
My kind, loving Mother, She always said, “A true lady always wears lipstick in public.”