Pamela J. Humphrey

Life Legacy

Pamela June Humphrey was born to the union of Richard F. and Bernadine J. (née Dillard) Pinnick in Joliet, Illinois on July 6, 1951. At the appointed time and place she answered His call to glory, transitioning peacefully while surrounded by family on Thursday, January 16, 2025.   

Pamela, affectionally known as Granny Pam, Auntie Pam and Mama Humphrey resided in Lockport, IL. Pamela graduated from Lockport Central High School. She was a passionate Lockport Porter fan and could be found screaming loudly every time her son, John scored a basket, or son Jeff made a tackle on the football field. Her fandom did not end with her children’s graduation. Pamela could still be spotted supporting the Porters with her sister Rita, 30 years later. 

Pamela worked several jobs before securing full-time employment at the Illinois Department of Human Services. At IDHS she served and impacted the community in immeasurable ways for 41 years.  Pamela’s charitable deeds extended beyond her IDHS desk. She was known for going above and beyond even if it meant coming out of her own pocket to be a blessing to others. Pamela would often share with her family “I will probably get fired one day for doing this.”   

Pamela accepted Christ at a young age and was baptized at Mt. Ebal Missionary Baptist Church. She was a lifetime member of Mt. Ebal Missionary Baptist Church founded by her beloved uncle, the late Reverend Theodore H. Pinnick, now under the leadership of Pastor Cornell Ervins. She was a charter member of Mt. Ebal in 1964. Pamela was committed and faithful to serving the house of God. She was a devout Sunday School Teacher for many years, in the choir, every Tuesday night in Bible study, and a Trustee. Pamela did not limit her service to Mt. Ebal only.  She was an active member of the Lebanon Baptist District Association of Joliet & Vicinity Women’s Auxiliary. In addition to attending several local churches throughout the Joliet and Lockport area. 

Pamela raised two sons, following Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it”. She let go, and let God handle the rest. Her home was a never-ending beehive of activity as the friends of her children and numerous cousins spent countless hours under her umbrella of warmth and love. They all became “adopted” residents of her home on Bruce Road and wonderful stories full of fun and laughter permeate the air when those who practically grew up there get together as adults. Mama Humphrey was overflowing with love and compassion, but she did not play! 

Pamela was competitive as ever! She loved family game nights, and reveled in whooping her sons and grandchildren in Spades and Dominos. And when family got together for game night, no one was safe. Pamela also enjoyed playing Pinochle with her IDHS friends.  

Pamela leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of faith, love, and service to her community–to which she gave God all the glory. 

Pamela was preceded in death by her loving parents, and sister, Sharon Pinnick Peyton. She leaves to cherish a life well lived, her loving sons, John L. Humphrey (LaVada) of Charlotte, NC, and Jeffrey L. Humphrey (Sherese) of Yorkville, IL; sisters, Rita Pinnick Gordon of Lockport, IL, and Kymberly Pinnick of Fremont, CA; brothers, Richard Pinnick of Lockport, IL, and Timothy (Rosemary) Pinnick of Wilmington, NC;  grandchildren: John L. Humphrey III, Jeffrey L. Humphrey Jr., Joshua L. Humphrey, Lindsay P. Humphrey, Peyton K. Humphrey; great grandchildren: Maliyah Humphrey, Janae Humphrey, Jordyn Humphrey; godson: Richard Pinnick Peyton; goddaughter: Pamela Joann Grandison. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, the congregation of Mt. Ebal, and a community of friends. Special in her life: Debra Hughes, Lynda Flemons, and Janice (Bito) Love. 

The Humphrey family would like to extend a special thank you to Rita Pinnick- Gordon who was there with her every step of the way. 

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