Danza Michelle Humphrey

Danza was a talented artist with a deep love for animals of all kinds, often taking in and caring for orphaned creatures who needed a caring hand. She loved her family and doted on her niece, nephew, and younger cousins in a very “Michelle” way. She often shared her creativity through handmade art as gifts for her family. Danza wasn't one for pretense or putting on airs —she was outspoken, feisty, and unapologetically herself, with a quick, sharp wit and an unmistakable voice that will never be forgotten by those who heard it. She was, in every sense,a cool cat — hip, drawn to groovy clothes and jewelry, with a characteristic demeanor and way about her that made her one of a kind. She sometimes started sentences with “Hun…” in a way that made you eager to hear what was next.

Danza worked at Decent Control prior to becoming ill. She faced significant health struggles with quiet strength, surviving cancer but living with its lasting toll on her body. For six years, she devotedly cared for her husband, Perry, as he battled ALS, often setting aside her own health challenges to be by his side. Though her own health and her husband's sometimes kept her from attending family gatherings, her loyalty to her family never wavered. She kept her home immaculate and found comfort in the companionship of her beloved dog, Zoe. Those who knew her remember her as kind, caring, loyal, feisty, and someone who bore her burdens with quiet grace.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Perry Humphrey; her father, Johnny Clayton Cole; and her close friend and second mother, Arlene Ethridge.

She is survived by her mother, Diana Cole Kelly, and her husband, Jerry; her sister, Monica Eiland, and her husband, Jimmy; her niece, Rachel Gauchat, and her husband, Eric; and her nephew, Brennan Will, and his wife, Charla.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Manes and Miracles in her honor.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Edwards Funeral Home.