Vinnie May Seely James Humes

The Chickasaw Historical Society Board of Directors has set up a Memorial Fund to honor the memory of the late Vinnie May (Sadie) Humes. Mrs. Humes and her husband, the Reverend Jess Humes, compiled a Chickasaw dictionary that was printed in 1972. For her educational contributions, Mrs. Humes was inducted into the Chickasaw Hall of Fame in 1991.

Mrs. Humes said in an interview:  "We sat at that kitchen table, working. We had this little old Webster's Dictionary, and I would call out the English word and Jess would hand it back in Chickasaw, pronouncing it in syllables and spelling it phonetically. Our aim wasn't to get the meaning of the words so much as it was to help people who wanted to learn how to speak the language."

The Chickasaw Historical Society was formed and is dedicated to the honorable promotion and protection of Chickasaw culture and history. We were pleased to have Mrs. Humes as a charter member. Her memory will continue to live in the hearts of everyone who knew her and due to her efforts, future generations as well.

If you would like to make a contribution, please make your check out to The Chickasaw Historical Society Vinnie May (Sadie) Humes Memorial Fund. Mail to:

Chickasaw Historical Society
P.O. Box 1548
Ada, OK 74821

All contributors will be listed in The Journal of Chickasaw History.