Gerallyn Sue Humphrey

Gerallyn Sue Humphrey, age 73, of Shawnee, Oklahoma, passed away Tuesday, December 23, 2025, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, after enduring several months of ALS with quiet strength and little to no complaint.

Gerallyn was born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1951, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, to Etta Jo Wardchow. From the beginning, she carried a presence that made people feel cared for, welcomed, and known.

She graduated from Bethel High School in 1970 and went on to graduate cum laude from Oklahoma Baptist University in 1974 with a degree in business and education. That same year, she was hired by Wolverine Manufacturing Industry, where she served as Human Resources and Safety Supervisor for over 300 employees. From 1975 to 1981, Gerallyn was the first woman supervisor in industrial safety, a role she carried with intelligence, confidence, and integrity.

In 1979, Gerallyn went on a blind date with a cowboy named Charles “Sonny” Humphrey. After only a few months of dating, they were married on January 16, 1980. They shared 36 years of marriage together before Sonny’s passing on July 22, 2016.

In 1981, Gerallyn chose to step away from her career to be fully present at home while raising her children. She was the best kind of homemaker. She made every holiday special, served as homeroom mom, opened her home to her children’s friends, and loved fiercely. Anyone who walked through her door was treated like family.

Never one to stay idle, Gerallyn returned to the workforce in 1994 and began a career in real estate. Over the next 30 years, she became one of the top-selling realtors in Pottawatomie County, earning numerous awards and building lifelong friendships with many of her clients. She retired in 2017, leaving behind a reputation of excellence, honesty, and care.

Gerallyn loved life. She loved cooking for her family, traveling, spending time at the lake, playing with her grandchildren, and talking. Especially talking. She was famously late to everything, and anyone who knew her knew to tell her an earlier time if they wanted her to arrive on schedule. She was also the best gift giver anyone ever knew, with an entire room in her home filled with gifts she had purchased just waiting for the right moment to give.

Above all else, Gerallyn was always there. She showed her love through action, generosity, and presence. She went above and beyond for her family, her friends, and anyone who needed help.

Gerallyn was preceded in death by her husband, Charles “Sonny” Humphrey; her mother, Etta Jo Wardchow; and her grandparents, B.F. and Ollie May (Porter) Carpenter.

She is survived by her children, Michael Humphrey of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Chris Humphrey of Stonewall, Oklahoma; Seth Humphrey and his wife Courtney of Yukon, Oklahoma; and Sunny Munson and her husband Todd of Shawnee, Oklahoma; her brother, Tim Wardchow and his wife Nancy of Bethel, Oklahoma; her grandchildren Brad, Derek, Kevin, Jack, Drew, Elisabeth, Colt, Maddox, and Wesllyn; her nieces Jayllyn and Jody; and a host of friends who were touched by her kindness.

The family of Gerallyn would like to extend a special thank you to the compassionate nurses at Colonial Estates, Choice Hospice, and to Karen Phelps for their loving care and support.

In accordance with Gerallyn’s wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service. She will be laid to rest at Resthaven Cemetery in Shawnee, Oklahoma, alongside her beloved grandfather.

Gerallyn Sue Humphrey will be remembered for her strength, generosity, loyalty, and unwavering love. She showed up for people. She gave freely. She loved deeply. And her impact will be felt for generations.