Carmela L. Humphrey

Carmela Levita Humphrey, 62 of Lawrence, Kansas passed away on February 15, 2024, with her loving husband at her side.

Carmela was born in Lawrence, Kansas on May 5, 1961, to Jane and James Barnes. She grew up with six siblings and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1969. On August 13, 1988, Carmela married her husband, Allen Humphrey. They had two children, Bryant and Nicole Humphrey, both of Lawrence.

Carmela worked as a bank teller at Lawrence National Park from 1979 to 1991, and then began working for Douglas County as a Trial Court Clerk until April 1995. Following her time as a Court Clerk, Carmela began working as a Paralegal in the District Court Trustee Office until September 2016. She then transitioned to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office where she worked until her retirement in May 2022. However, because she loved keeping busy, after a few months of retirement, she returned to the Sheriff’s Office part-time until January 2024. Additionally, Carmela worked as a part-time tax preparer during the tax season for H&R Block from 2010 to 2023.

Throughout her life, Carmela enjoyed spending time with her family and staying active. During the summer, you could catch her riding her bike to Dog Days or walking around the neighborhood with her husband, Allen, and their dog. Carmela was an exceptional person who embodied the best of qualities: loyalty, hard work, unconditional love, resilience, and integrity. She loved to sing and dance and had the most infectious smile.

Carmela is survived by her husband of 35 years, Allen Humphrey, and their two children, Bryant and Nicole (Ashley Asano) Humphrey, the beloved family dog, Wyatt, and two grand-dogs, Watson and Maya. She is also survived by her brothers and sisters, Marla (Melvin) Ray, Calvin Barnes, Mark (Gladis Begaye) Barnes, Ursula (James) Minor, Barry (Lisa) Barnes, Gayla Barnes, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by both her parents, Jane and James Barnes.

Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, February 22, 2024, at the 9th Street Missionary Baptist Church, 847 Ohio Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.  Interment will take place immediately following funeral services, at Oak Hill Cemetery, 1605 Oak Hill Avenue, Lawrence.  

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 6:00 ~ 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at the Warren McElwain Funeral Home, 120 West 13th Lawrence, KS 66044.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Carmela’s name to the Ninth Street Missionary Baptist Church, 901 Tennessee Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

23 Condolences

  1. Mary Bowman ( Holden ) on February 16, 2024 at 4:13 pm

    Gayla, and Family, Our Condolences and Prayers are with you.



  2. Brad Mullenix on February 16, 2024 at 5:55 pm

    Very Sorry for your losses. Its a small world, I never knew Carmela but I worked with Alan at KU and a long time ago at Hallmark I worked with Mark and Calvin Barnes. -Brad Mullenix



  3. Tracy Dethloff on February 17, 2024 at 8:15 am

    To the Barnes and extended families. Sorry for your loss.



  4. Greg Westbrook on February 17, 2024 at 5:38 pm

    Allen, I am so sorry to hear of your wife’s passing. I am sending positive thoughts to you and your family and hope that the many wonderful memories I am sure you shared will help lift you up during this difficult time. I wish you peace…and God’s speed to Carmela. Take care.



  5. STACEY SMILEY on February 17, 2024 at 7:53 pm

    To my Barnes family, may the Most Highest give you all strength and comfort at this time. My heart is heavy, because growing up Carmie was like a big sister to me. 541 Michigan Street was definitely the hangout spot and I cherish those memories. Alle, Bryant and Nicole, I pray that hopefully knowing she is no longer suffering give you some comfort, and I pray some peace. Cherish each moment and may the Most Highest’s surround you with warm, comforting thoughts. Much love to you all!!!



  6. Mary Whitaker Davidson on February 18, 2024 at 7:42 am

    My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Take care



  7. Lucy Walker on February 18, 2024 at 10:29 am

    My prayers to the family of Carmela Humphrey as well as the Barnes family



  8. Teresa Rodriguez on February 18, 2024 at 12:07 pm

    Sending my sincerest condolences to you cousin Allen and Bryant and Nicole and family …To be absent from the body is to be present with GOD…MAY GOD put His most loving and compassionate arms around you all and bring peace and comfort …



  9. Christie Ogunnowo and family on February 18, 2024 at 1:23 pm

    To the Humphrey family – our family’s heart is broken at the loss of Carmi. She, as the obituary so beautifully described, truly was a source of joy, kindness, loyalty, and love. Having cared for Bryant and Nicole over many years, we saw these attributes Carmi poured out over her children and her community. She will be deeply missed, but her life’s impact will remain. Praying for God to comfort you all.



  10. Red Dog and Beverly Gardner on February 18, 2024 at 8:00 pm

    Carmi always had a smile when she would checked in for Dog Days. I always enjoyed visiting with her as we walked laps. We will miss her. We want to send our condolences to her family.



  11. Steve Ramirez and Carla on February 19, 2024 at 9:17 am

    Allen, Bryant and Nicole, Very sorry to hear of your loss. May the good Lord wrap His arms around you at this time to provide comfort to you.



  12. Rex Tedrow on February 19, 2024 at 2:15 pm

    Sorry to hear about Carmela. I worked with her at H & R Block and she was so helpful to all who worked with her. Always had a smile even at work, and always seem to be honest and happy with her life.



  13. Gary Freeman, Pinckney Elementary School on February 19, 2024 at 2:50 pm

    The Barnes Family was one of my fondest memories as an Elementary Principal. Reliable, involved, invested and fun to be around at the various school functions over the years. Carmela was one of my “all time favorite” students. She was a fun, exploring,bright young person to be around. She was positive, always had a smile to share and was always ready to help fellow classmates or her teachers. She will be missed by her family, friends and community. You helped make the world a better place. Rest in peace.



  14. Ola D Faucher on February 19, 2024 at 7:14 pm

    Just read the obituary and send my most sincere condolences for your loss. Having worked with Allen for over 10 years I know how precious she was to him and her family. Whenever I saw her she always had a smile.
    May your many warm memories bring you comfort. Ola Faucher



  15. Melissa Chapman on February 19, 2024 at 7:53 pm

    Mark, I am sorry for you and your family’s loss.



  16. Derek A Walker on February 20, 2024 at 9:21 am

    The Barnes family was more than neighbors to me. I grew up under the hands of their watchful eyes and even a good spanking when I needed it. I learned a lot growing up with your family and watched the love you all have. May Carmie move on to join her parents in restful peace. My sympathies go out to ALL of you.



  17. Alice Kimberley on February 20, 2024 at 3:30 pm

    I enjoyed having you as a neighbor on 9th Court. Sending my condolences to the family.



  18. Lynn George on February 20, 2024 at 4:13 pm

    Dear Allen and family, I so regret your loss. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. Gone too soon, but she will always live in your hearts.



  19. Keith and Julie Meyers on February 21, 2024 at 6:28 am

    Allen, our deepest condolences to you and your family as you face such a terrible loss.



  20. John and Teresa White on February 21, 2024 at 10:17 pm

    Allen, Bryant, Nicole, and Barnes family , our thoughts and prayers go out to you and yours at this difficult time.

    Carmela’s gentle energy, and infectious smile will be greatly missed.



  21. Regina Navarro on February 22, 2024 at 2:22 pm

    May God watch over Carmela. We are so sorry for your loss. All the Rodriguez Family prayers are with you at this difficult time.



  22. Teresa and James Thompson on February 24, 2024 at 10:00 am

    To the Humphrey family, and Barnes family, James and I send our deepest sympathy to you all. We knew the Barnes family, and they knew the Thompson family. Carmie was a very special woman and presence in the court system and we often saw each other shopping for groceries at Dillons. She always smiled at me and I felt the joy of the Lord there; yet knew nothing of her health. I thank God for her presence on this earth and for the joy she brought many.



  23. Tony Moss on April 1, 2024 at 6:08 pm

    So sorry for your loss of Carmela, Allen, Bryant, and Nicole. Nina, Gabe, and I send our deep condolences.



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