Clara W. Humphrey

Mrs. Clara Waldrop Humphrey, age 101, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Sunday, January 21, 2024, at Spring Creek Healthcare in Murray, Kentucky.

Mrs. Humphrey was born on July 10, 1922, in Murray, Kentucky to the late H.T. Waldrop and Delano Edrington Waldrop. She retired from Murray High School as an English Teacher and was an advisor for the Murray High School Annual and Newspaper. Mrs. Humphrey obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1943 from the University of Missouri and a Master of Arts Degree in 1964 from Murray State University. After college, Clara worked at the news desk of the Louisville Courier Journal for three years. She later worked for the advertising firm of Foreston and Huff and served as news director of WNBS radio in Murray, Kentucky. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Murray, Kentucky, member of the Murray Woman’s Club, having served as president from 1952-1953, member of the daughters of the American Revolution, Kentucky Education Association, National Education Association, Kentucky Council Teachers of English and National Council Teachers of English. She was also past president of the English Section, First District Education Association, the former vice-chairman of the Kentucky Teachers of Journalism organization, and has served on the evaluation team of the Southern Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges. Clara was the Kentucky Teacher of the Year in 1975.  The library of the Murray Middle School was named in her honor, and a scholarship to Murray State's Young Author's Camp was established to pay tuition for young students participation each year.  She was also instrumental in securing Murray's first bookmobile and library. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Maurice E. Humphrey; as well as one beloved daughter, Ann W. Griffin. 

Survivors include one stepson, Dr. Ben Humphrey and wife Margaret of St. Petersburg, Florida; one stepdaughter, Nancy Gray and husband Davis of Louisville, Kentucky; five step-grandchildren, Dr. Michelle Green Sands and husband Dr. Christopher Sands of Memphis, Tennessee, Jessica Green Osias of Memphis, Tennessee, Maria Izetta Gray of Louisville, Kentucky, CAPT. Matthew G. Humphrey and wife Suzie of Pensacola, Florida, and Micah B. Humphrey and wife Kelly of St. Petersburg, Florida; five step great-great grandchildren; as well as one cousin, Mary Warren Sanders of Murray, Kentucky. 

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 27, 2024, at the Murray City Cemetery with entombment to follow. Rev. Jim Stahler will officiate. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 27, 2024, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. 

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Clara W. Griffin Humphrey Scholarship, MISD Foundation for Excellence, PO Box 1417, Murray, Kentucky 42071. 

Online condolences can be made at, www.jhchurchill.com