Abingdon, Virginia
Lois Hagy Humphreys, 91, first female mayor of Abingdon, Virginia passed away Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at Johnston Memorial Hospital.
The daughter of Howard Barnett Hagy and Deltia Sylvia Caudill Hagy, Lois was a lifelong resident of Washington County, Virginia, living in Abingdon since 1951. Lois was an active and dedicated member of the Abingdon United Methodist Church where she held many leadership positions, including president of the United Methodist Women and was a member of the Lake Perry Circle.
Lois had a varied career path, beginning as a dental hygienist, first for Dr. Loving and later for A.C. Buchanan. She worked in accounting both at the Abingdon Tobacco Market and the Gentry Furniture Company followed by time with the Washington County school system in the audio-visual department. She then attended the Chicago Floral School and founded Humphrey’s Flower Shop in Abingdon, Virginia. Lois also held a realtor license.
Lois was a dedicated public servant and community leader, serving on the Abingdon Town Council from 1988 until 2010. She known for her ability to be a consensus builder, bringing the council together to make difficult decisions. She was Abingdon’s first female mayor, and championed numerous initiatives that still enrich the lives of Abingdon residents. These include, but are not limited to, Harry Coomes Recreation Center, the Abingdon Farmers’ Market, Fields-Penn House Museum, Fairview Homestead, Veterans Memorial Park, Mickey Newman Police Station, the McCormick-Odum Fire Station, Abingdon Muster Grounds, Alvarado Train Station rebuild, Skateboard Park, and Abingdon Dog Park. She helped promote the establishment of Abingdon Mesh. Mayor Humphreys recognized tourism as Abingdon’s most impactful industry, working tirelessly to promote jobs, bring young people into the community, and increase town revenue.
Lois also helped to strengthen ties with Abingdon, Virginia’s sister city – Abingdon, England; forged by her deep friendship with Alison Rooke, mayor of Abingdon, England.
Mayor Humphreys received numerous honors, among them Woman of the Year presented by Abingdon’s Business and Professional Women’s Organization, Tri-Cities Women’s Leadership Award, life membership to the Parent-Teacher Association, lifetime member of the Girl Scouts, and the town of Abingdon’s highest community service award, the Arthur Campbell Award. Lois was honored by the naming of the Lois H. Humphreys Park on Abingdon’s Main Street and the Humphreys Depot Square/Caboose.
Lois served on numerous community committees, boards, and organizations, including Historic Preservation Review Board, Mount Rogers Planning Commission, Abingdon Tree Commission, William King Museum, Johnston Memorial Ladies Auxiliary, Black Fort Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Arts Depot, and the Virginia Creeper Trail Club.
She was predeceased by her husband and high school sweetheart, Paul Everett Humphreys; her brother, James “Jim” Hagy.
Survivors include her sister, Violet Hagy Reynolds; sisters – in – law, Mary Ann Humphreys and Phyllis Humphreys, both of Abingdon; her daughter, Jill Humphreys Dalton (David) of Charlotte, North Carolina; son Rick Humphreys (Dr. Susan Barrow) of Abingdon; seven grandchildren, Jeremy Humphreys (Julie), Todd Humphreys (Katie), Brannon Kent Epling, Anna Epling Cisco (David), Delaney Dalton Cron (Kevin) Chandler Dalton Kasay (Steven), and Bentley Dalton; eleven great-grandchildren, Quinn Vaughn, Jett Humphreys, Jaxon Humphreys, Rory Humphreys, Sid Humphreys, Charlie Cisco, Nolan Cisco, Benjamin Cisco, Miles Cisco, McKay Kasay, and Cason Cron. Lois is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces, great nephews, and great nieces.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at Abingdon United Methodist Church. A private family entombment will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at Knollkreg Memorial Park Mausoleum.
As she was a florist, flowers are appreciated, but to best honor Lois Humphreys’ memory, please perform an act of kindness, such as helping someone in need or donating to your favorite charity.
Online condolences may be submitted to the family by visiting www.frostfuneralhome.com.
Frost Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Lois Humphreys.