Simeon Humes Jr. was born to the late Simeon Humes Sr. and Hattie Helen Humes on March 23, 1934, at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Fla. He was known as “Bubba” by his family.

He attended Allapattah elementary school (Brown Sub), changed to Bethune elementary school (Brownville). Later, Simeon attended Dorsey Junior – Senior High School, graduating in 1951. Higher education took him away from home to Charlotte, N.C., where he attended Johnson C. Smith University for four years. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and a minor in Psychology.

He was an active member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and lettered as a member of the track team for three years.

Returning home, he was employed by the Miami Board of Education as a substitute teacher and worked as an attendant at Jackson Memorial Hospital.

In 1957, he was drafted into the Army. After basic training, Simeon was eventually assigned to the 47th Medical Battalion, Fort Polk, La. He received the Army Good Conduct Medal and in full dress formation a letter of commendation and appreciation before the battalion.

Starting in 1959 he served four more years in the Army Reserves, finally receiving an Honorable discharge in 1963.

In 1957, Simeon married the late Maggie Priscilla (Waddell) Humes of Statesville, N.C. They enjoyed 64 years of marriage while raising seven children. The children they raised were Regina (Aubrey), Teresa, Simeon, Yvonne (Terry), Jonathan (Iona), Helena and Andre (Marie).

Simeon and Pat (his name for her) moved their growing family to Philadelphia, Pa., where he was employed at Mercy-Douglass Hospital.

In time, Simeon was accepted at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, School of Cytotechnology. He completed the course of study and received his certificate. Passing the exam, he became a certified (CT ASCP) by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists. During his 28 years in the field, Simeon was fortunate to be employed by the following companies: The Up John Company, Smithkline, and Smithkline Beecham. Simeon retired with the latter in 1995.

In 1989, Simeon was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He loved sharing his faith about Jehovah God and his son Jesus Christ in the door-to-door ministry. He also wrote letters and made phone calls to friends, family and old classmates to tell about the things he had learned from the Scriptures.

He leaves to cherish the memory of his life, along with seven children, his sisters, Isabel Humes and Mazie (George) Storr of Miami, Fla.; fifteen grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren with one grandchild and great grandchild preceding Simeon in death. He has a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

We, the family of Simeon Humes Jr., would like to thank the many family and friends who were supportive during our time of grief. Dad’s favorite scripture was Psalms 121. His confidence was in his God Jehovah and he encouraged others to have such confidence as well. His favorite songs were 108 – God’s loyal love and 63 – We’re Jehovah’s Witnesses.

A special thanks to the Gardens of Statesville, Forsyth Hospital, Iredell Memorial Hospital, and the Gordon Hospice House for taking such good care of Simeon Humes Jr.

Mr. Humes will be laid to rest at Vista Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 14200 NW 57th Ave., Miami, FL 33014. A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date.

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is serving the family.