In Memoriam - Ethelmae Craig Humphreys

The CIT team is saddened by the loss of our remarkable friend and supporter, Ethelmae Craig Humphreys. 

Ethalmae exemplified the American spirit through her strong leadership and admirable work ethic. In her early 20s, she starting working as a nail sacker in the shingle manufacturing business started by her father. She closed out her service to the firm and industry, 73 years later, as Chairman Emerita of TAMKO Building Products, LLC.

In his post marking the passing of Ethelmae, Peter Goettler, Cato Institute’s CEO, summed up the ethos that united Ethelmae with the liberty movement: “Ethelmae’s philanthropy reflects her belief in the power of individuals and civil society—rather than government—to provide for the critical needs of oneself, each other, and our communities…. For while I can’t stop thinking of her as a truly extraordinary individual, it’s more likely she’s an example of the extraordinariness that’s within each of us ordinary people. And liberty is the oxygen that gives life to such potential, providing each of us the ability to, like Ethelmae, leave our mark on the world.”

We are inspired by Ethelmae’s impact in this world and remain grateful for her support of our programs through the years.