Ann Hawthorne Humphreys, 58, is now singing at the feet of Jesus, her "Great Reward." After having faithfully run her race in this life to the glory of her Savior, Ann entered His presence Wednesday evening, May 4, surrounded by her beloved family. Born February 19, 1953, in Shreveport, LA to Amos and Helen Hawthorne, Ann grew up in Lufkin, Texas and graduated from the University of Texas in Austin, Magna Cum Laude, with a B.A. in Special Education. She married Steve Humphreys on November 29, 1975 and they lived most of their married lives in Rockford, IL. She filled her life with the people and activities she loved and she taught others to do the same. Ann, first and foremost a committed wife and mother, taught all four of their children at home, was a freelance artist, teacher and tutor, a youth leader in her church, and was involved in Starlight Theatre for over 20 years. She was an inspiration to all who knew her as she continued to live a full, joy-filled life despite a 5-year battle with cancer.

She will be deeply missed by her husband, Steve and four children, Stefanie, Sarah, Samantha, and John and son-in-law, David Brickey. She was also surrounded by the love of her four grandchildren, Sofia, Ava, Camille and Jude, her brother, Michael Hawthorne and her sister Gayle Bender and their families, parents-in-law John and Sally Humphreys, sisters-in-laws JoAnne Jury, Tammy Johnston, Elizabeth Humphreys, brother-in-law Ben Humphreys and their spouses and families. Services will be held at First Baptist Church of Machesney Park, 718 Harlem Road, on Sunday, April 8, 2011 with the visitation from 3:30-6:30pm and the memorial starting at 6:30.