Clarice Humphrey-Parker

Clarice “Clair” Humphrey-Parker, a historian of early R&B and Rock and Roll Music, died unexpectedly on December 12, 2008 at the home of her daughter in Hamden, Connecticut. She was born on October 15, 1938 in Quincy, Massachusetts. Clarice grew up in South Meriden, Connecticut graduating from Maiden High School and took courses at the University of Hartford. Most of her professional life was spent as a pharmacist’s assistant in Meriden Bloomfield, and Windsor. She was the eldest daughter of the late William Roland Humphrey and Margaret Pyyny Humphrey. Clair was an avid reader and loved spirited dialogue with her siblings regarding the absurdities of politics. She also hosted a radio program on WESU featuring early rock and roll and R&B music. The natural world was always foremost in her mind. She was a passionateadvocate of nature with testimonials related to gardening, hiking in the woods, and wildlife encounters, as well as the often spiritual connotations, in which she was so well versed, regarding traditional Native American beliefs. She was particularly proud of her Native American heritage and familial tribal association with the eastern band of the Cherokee in North Carolina. She was proud to have been referred lo as UNEGA UGIDALI (white feather). Clair would have been interested to know that she passed at the height of the long winter moon. Clair had a great many friends and associates over the years. She was pleased and honored to have provided poetry for the published work of a dear friend. Ms. Humphrey-Parker was the mother of Deanna Landry Rivera and Pamela Landry Roberson, who predeceased her. She was the beloved sister of Margaret Helena Humphrey Botticello of Gloucester, Massachusetts and Stephen William Humphrey of Kernersville, North Carolina. She is survived by 5 grandchildren: Anthony Roberson, Christopher Roberson, Jordon Roberson India Pamela Rivera, and Esteban “Trey’ Rivera Ill of Hamden, Connecticut as welt as numerous nephews and nieces. She also predeceased by Timothy Anton Botticello. A spiritual memorial gathering for family and friends is planned for December 29 from 6-Epm, at the Sisk Brothers Funeral Home at 3105 Whitney Avenue (Route 10) in Hamden, Connecticut (203) 288-7114. Because flower gardening brought her such joy, simple floral tributes arc appreciated as are donations to the charity of one choice At her request, ashes will be scattered privately in the direction of the four winds.

Clarice Humphrey-Parker

October 15, 1938 - December 12, 2008