Frederick S. Humphries - Personal Life and Mrs. Humphries

Personal Life and Mrs. Humphries

Dr. Humphries is a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, and the Sigma Pi Phi fraternity. Throughout his professional and administrative life he was supported by his devoted wife, Antoinette McTurner Humphries, a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She obtained a B. S. degree in sociology and political science from Tennessee State University, which added a special dimension to the many social action projects which she zealously sponsored and supported. Mrs. Humphries filled the role of first lady at FAMU with grace and dignity. In addition to hosting annual celebrations at graduation exercises, the Industry Cluster, and various educational and political groups that visit the campus, Mrs. Humphries participated in many community activities. Annually, she sponsored a Christmas Toys for Tots Drive; hosted local elementary schools in tours of the President's residence and the campus; hosted teas with Miss FAMU and court; hosted Bar-B-Que for student athletes; and provided scholarships for third-year theater majors at the "Toni" Awards program. She further promoted the fine arts at Rickards High School through the Friends of Rickards program with an annual art showing. She also held membership in The Links, Incorporated, The Girlfriends, and the Delta Sigma Theta sorority.

Although she involved herself with the economic and social development of many students, her primary emphasis was on nurturing her own three children and steering them toward success. She passed away on March 16, 2006, at the age of 64.