Eleanor Patton Humphries

October 25, 1939 – August 13, 2026

Eleanor Humphries, 86, of Kingsport, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, August 13, 2026. Born on October 25, 1939, in Ivanhoe, VA, she was the daughter of the late Ray and Mattie Patton.

Eleanor graduated from Blue Ridge Episcopal High School and attended East Tennessee State College. A passionate and dedicated educator of dance, she was the owner and artistic director of Colonial Heights School of Dance and Turning Pointe Dance Center, shaping the lives and talents of countless young dancers throughout the region. Her influence extended nationally through her work with Dance Educators of America and Dance America alongside Art Stone. Beyond her professional achievements, Eleanor will be remembered for her grace, warmth and dedication to her family, and lifelong devotion to the arts.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Mattie Patton, and her aunt, Adelaide Adams.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Gina Lott (late Kelly Lott) and Jon Humphries; her grandchildren, Matthew Lott, Mattie Lott, Alexis Humphries, Emerson Humphries, and Kanan Humphries; as well as several nieces and nephews and countless friends.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 5, 2026 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport.