"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
~ 2 Timothy 4:7
Sister Betty Ann Humphrey Aikens, the third oldest child of Isaiah and Jeanette Humphrey, was born on Sept. 3, 1953, in Madison, Fla. That day was the beginning of the impact she would make on countless lives and in various ways. She has left her footprints in the sands of time in the Madison, (Madison County), Fla., Quitman/Nankin (Brooks County), Ga. area and beyond. Betty Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy Aikens, Sr.; her father, Isaiah Humphrey; siblings: Isaiah Humphrey, Jr., Victoria Humphrey, Alvin Humphrey, and, most recently, Janet Humphrey Jones; bonus children, Ricardo Aikens and Eldrick Parson; brother-in-law, Willie Williams; and sister-in-law, Sarah Humphrey.
Celebration of life services, with COVID-19 restrictions, will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022, in the sanctuary of Madison Church of God, located at 771 NE Colin Kelly Hwy., in Madison. Public viewing and visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., on Friday, Aug. 19, 2022 in the chapel of J.P. Moore Mortuary, located at 379 W. Base Street, in Madison, (850) 973-6677. Earthly bed of slumber: Oakridge No. 2 Cemetery, Madison.
"Yes, God is real, for I can feel Him deep in my soul." Betty Ann accepted Christ as her Savior earlier in life and was welcomed into the New Bethel Primitive Baptist Church family. She was an usher and president of the choir as well as the culinary staff. She used her talents in cooking and decorating at Christmas and other occasions to honor God. She was determined to give Him her best and to do so with love, passion and pride.
Betty Ann was educated in the Madison County public school system. Afterward, she chose to begin her career in the workforce. Her last positions were with Madison Cleaners and Southern Living for Seniors. She began a catering business for special events. She was also a first-class seamstress who accommodated many church groups by making altar cloths, attire for ushers and choirs, as well as for individuals, with her amazing, one-of-a-kind, fashions. She created prom dresses/evening apparel, and stunning bridal and wedding party attire. As a result, she was highly sought out by persons in the surrounding North Florida and South Georgia counties.
Betty Ann loved people and made them feel at ease with her. Most of all, she truly loved her family, and she enjoyed spending quality time with them. Although she had no biological children, she became a second mom/mother figure to her nieces, nephews, other children who needed motherly guidance, as well as to her bonus children. She had a heart of pure gold.
Betty Ann Humphrey Aikens did not lose faith. She knew that God did not bring her this far to leave her. On Friday, Aug. 5, she transitioned from earthly time to time eternal. She triumphantly accepted her angel wings and was ushered into the presence of the Holy Spirit. She was surrounded by her loved ones.
Many will forever hold a special place in their hearts for Sister Betty Ann Humphrey Aikens because her living was not in vain. Mourning her passing but cherishing her memory are her mother, Jeanette Humphrey; siblings: Rose (George) White, Judy (James) Humphrey, Roosevelt (Latresa) Humphrey, Patricia Williams, Ann (Rupert) Samuels and Barrett (Diane) Simpo; a very special friend, Robert White; bonus children: Juanita Hogan, Robert Aikens, Kimberly Aikens, Leroy Aikens, Jr., Valencia Aikens, Jarvis Aikens, Jaylin Aikens, Iesha Aikens, Juanita Ghee, Jessica Ghee, Montel Denson, Makala Williams, Robert Heatly and Jukita Heatly; 34 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; special friends: Florence Boatman, Maria Edwards, Eloise Penny, Gianni Jackson and Larry Aikens; along with a host of special aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, many other sorrowing relatives and loving friends.
Final care and compassionate services are being provided to the Humphrey-Aikens Family, with love, care and uncompromising dignity, by J.P. MOORE MORTUARY & CREMATION SERVICES, Madison, Fla., (850) 973-6677; Jamarien "J.P." Moore, Mortician.