Obituary: Carly Kristen Humphrey

Carly Kristen Humphrey, 28, passed away on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at CarolinaEast Medical Center, surrounded by the love and presence of her parents.

After a 22 months courageous battle with cancer, Carly has finished her fight — and she won. There is no more pain, no more sickness, and no more suffering. She is whole, she is healed, and she is resting in the arms of Jesus, whom she loved and served with her whole heart.

Throughout her journey, Carly displayed remarkable strength, courage, and unwavering faith that inspired everyone around her. Even in her most difficult moments, she never lost sight of the goodness of God. One scripture Carly continually turned to was Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me.” These words were more than just a Bible verse to Carly; they were a reflection of the faith she carried throughout her life. No matter what challenges she faced, her trust in the Lord remained steadfast.

Carly’s love for the Lord was evident not only in her words but also in the way she lived and served others. As a member of Rivermont Baptist Church, she spent a week in Grenada in June 2017 on a mission trip, sharing her faith and her heart for helping those around her. Her desire to serve others was a beautiful reflection of the love of Christ that lived within her.

Carly was a graduate of South Lenoir High School, where she played basketball and served as a manager for the girls’ volleyball and softball teams. She continued her education at East Carolina University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Work.

Following graduation, Carly pursued her passion for helping others through her work as a school social worker with Jones County Public Schools. Working with children was more than just a career for Carly; it was a calling. She had a heart of gold and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of every child she encountered. She wanted each child to know they were loved, valued, and seen. Her compassion, kindness, and dedication left a lasting impression on the students, families, and colleagues whose lives she touched. Carly received the Student Services Staff Member of the Year award, two consecutive years in a row. One being after her diagnosis.

Carly had a love for life and treasured making memories with the people who meant the most to her. She enjoyed traveling, exploring new places, and experiencing new adventures. One of the things she especially loved was planning trips for herself and her parents. At least once a year, Carly made sure they had a getaway planned, giving them the opportunity to spend quality time together and create memories they would cherish forever. She was always the planner, taking care of the details and making sure they found time to get away from the busyness of everyday life. For Carly, it wasn’t just about the places they went, but the memories they made together.

Carly had a special love for the beach and was blessed to spend three years living along the coast, a chapter of her life she truly cherished. Whether she was riding along the 4x4 beaches, spending time fishing with her parents, or simply enjoying a peaceful walk along the shore with her faithful companion Blue, the coast held a special place in her heart. She found happiness in the simple things, and her time by the water gave her countless memories that she would always treasure.

Carly also had a deep love and appreciation for music. Music had a special way of soothing her soul, bringing her comfort, peace, and joy. She had an incredible knowledge of music and was always the go-to person when someone needed to know the artist behind a song or what genre it belonged to. Music was more than just something she enjoyed; it was a part of who she was. Whether she was listening to her favorite songs or finding comfort in familiar melodies, music held a special place in her heart and brought her happiness through every season of life.

Carly was also passionate sports fan who loved cheering on her beloved UNC Tar Heels and Carolina Hurricanes.

Carly was known for her infectious sense of humor, her beautiful heart, and the way she could bring joy to those around her. She was a devoted daughter, sister, a loyal friend, and someone who loved her people fiercely. She had a special way of making others feel important, and even during her own struggles, she never stopped caring about what others were going through. She was the kind of person who would drop everything for someone she loved, offering a listening ear, a helping hand, or simply a reason to smile. To know Carly was to love her, and to be loved by Carly was truly a blessing.

Although her 28 years on earth were far too few, Carly lived a life filled with love, laughter, purpose, and faith. She touched countless hearts and leaves behind a legacy of kindness, compassion, and unwavering trust in God. Her family and friends find peace in knowing that her earthly suffering has ended and that she has received the ultimate healing in the presence of her Savior.

We are so incredibly proud of Carly. Proud of the woman she became, the lives she touched, the love she gave so freely, and the unwavering faith she carried through every season of her life. Carly would often say, “Do what makes you happy,” and those simple words reflected the way she embraced life. She understood the importance of finding joy in the little things, making memories, and spending time with the people she loved most. The depth of our loss is a reflection of the tremendous joy she brought into our lives. While our hearts ache in her absence, we will forever be grateful for the 28 beautiful years we were blessed to love her. Her life was a gift, her love was a blessing, and her memory will be treasured always.

Carly is survived by her loving parents, Wayland and Beverly Taylor Humphrey; her uncle, Dennis Taylor and wife, Rhonda; her aunt, Gale Taylor; her aunt, Della Frederick and husband, Don; her beloved furry companion, Blue; and the family’s cherished furry companion, Zeppelin; along with many extended family members and dear friends who will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Taylor Humphrey; her sister, Katlyn Humphrey; her maternal grandparents, Mac and Elva Taylor; her paternal grandparents, Virginia Davis Sutton and James “Sonny” Humphrey and wife, Billie Humphrey; and her uncle, Randall Humphrey.

The family will receive friends at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2026, in the South Lenoir High School Gymnasium, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park.

Carly’s story is not one of defeat, but of victory. Her battle is over, her healing is complete, and her eternal life has just begun.

Carly’s parents express their deep gratitude for the empathetic and wonderful care from her CarolinaEast Cancer Center Medical team.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to SECU Comprehensive Cancer Center at 1300 Health Drive, New Bern, NC 28561. Make checks payable to: CarolinaEast Foundation and include on memo line Cancer Center Projects, Carly Humphrey.