JoAnn Marie (Craven) Humphrey

JoAnn Marie (Craven) Humphrey passed over peacefully on September 9, 2023 at Presidential Post Acute of Marion, OH.

She had a tremendous inner strength and wonderful personality that captivated all who met her and her smile lit up a room. Anyone who knew “Jo” knew that her favorite color was red – and during the cooler months, could be spotted by her trademark red felt hat.

Born March 28, 1929 in Marion, she attended Harding HS (class of ’47) where she was a cheerleader and active in the arts. She married Thomas Finch, Jr in 1946 and was widowed at age 20 when he was killed in a work-related accident.  She later married Ray Humphrey, with whom she spent 54 years until his death in 2005.

A woman of faith, she lived her values - a quiet example of how to make the most of life’s unexpected turns and live life well with integrity. She was a stabilizing factor as the family moved often for her husband’s job and provided leadership in community and church organizations in each new city. After having a daughter with Down’s Syndrome, she became a fierce advocate for disability rights and inclusion in education, work, and recreation long before they were common terms. After they retired and returned to Marion, she and Annette were often featured in MARCA campaigns.

She loved dancing, music, and travel. Two of her favorite memories were a cruise with life-long friends in 1968 and a month-long cross-country trip after retirement. In her spare time, she received certification as a tailor; her creativity, artistry, and true love of textiles was reflected in fashionable clothing she made for her daughters which she enjoyed talking about years later. 

Once all her children were in school, she worked outside the home, where her analytic and mathematical mind was quickly recognized and led to promotions in major banking and insurance corporations. She made lifelong friends wherever she went and remained a vibrant individual until the end of her days.

She particularly relished her role as Grandma/Gram/Nana. No phone call was complete without an update on some member of the family. Despite distance, she always took an interest in her grandchildren’s lives and made time to offer an encouraging word or hand-written letter, many of which have become treasured possessions.

She was a bright spark in the world who will be missed dearly and inspire us always.

She is survived by her daughter Jill Finch Thorpe of Marion; sons Bruce (Marie) Humphrey of Cranston, Rhode Island and Scott (Maureen) Humphrey of Fairborn, Ohio; 10 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and a brother who died in childhood, she was preceded in death by husbands Thomas Finch (1949) and Archie Ray Humphrey (2005); daughter Annette; granddaughter Audrey; and great-grandson Ethan.

The family would like to thank the tremendous staff at Presidential Post Acute of Marion and OhioHealth Hospice who provided extraordinary and loving care during the past several years. We are forever grateful.

A graveside service will be held Monday, September 18 at 1:30 p.m. at Chapel Heights Memory Gardens, officiated by Reverend Heather Rodenborg. Chaplain, OhioHealth. Though not required, please consider wearing a speck of red as we celebrate her life.

Those who wish to honor her memory may donate to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital or OhioHealth Hospice.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.