“Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” -John 16:22
On April 24, 1951, life in the household of Samuel Herring, Sr. and Bernice Broadus Herring was blessed and forever changed with the birth of their beautiful, angelic baby daughter, Edith Marie Herring, 71, of Madison, Fla. Edith grew up in Madison, but later relocated to Palatka, Fla., with her husband. She was preceded in death by both parents; brothers, Samuel Herring, Jr. and Leroy Herring and brother-in-law, Walter Anderson.
Celebration of life services, with COVID-19 restrictions, were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in the sanctuary of New Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 503 SW Williams Street, in Madison. Public viewing and visitation were held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 2, 2022 in the chapel of J.P. Moore Mortuary, 379 W. Base Street, in Madison, (850) 973-6677. Earthly Bed of Slumber: Oakridge No.2 Cemetery, in Madison.
Edith’s parents nurtured her in the belief that Jesus Christ was her Redeemer. From their training and under the pastoral leadership of the Reverend Sammie Gross at Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church, she stepped out in faith and accepted Him in her heart. The joy she had in serving the Lord was not kept to herself. She also shared the Good News with others and worked faithfully at Mt. Tabor Missionary Baptist Church in Palatka.
Edith received her formal education at Madison County Training School/Suwannee River High School and graduated in the Class of 1969. She furthered her educational experience by receiving her Associate of Arts degree from Lively Technical Institute in Tallahassee, Florida, and her Bachelor of Administration degree from Edward Waters University in Jacksonville, Florida.
Edith Marie Herring and Glennie Anderson became forever sweethearts while they were in high school. They were united in marriage on Aug. 6, 1972, and kept their flame aglow for 50 years, only recently sharing their Golden Anniversary. They were not blessed with their own biological children, but they were a blessing to many other youths. They were “village parents” for countless children in the community and had “second parents’” rights with their nieces, and nephews, who were a major part of their lives. As a result, the love they freely gave to others, richly blessed them in return.
The joy in Edith’s heart reflected her beautiful spirit. She lit up every room she entered and was a blessing to every group she encountered. Since her early school days, she was always well-respected and greatly admired because she was very poised, dignified, intelligent, and friendly, but most of all, down to earth. She was expected to be a success in life.
Edith’s kindness to all, spirit of giving, and unending love for family will be embedded in the hearts of all who knew her. She was an ideal sister, a faithful friend, and the “BEST Auntie Ever” to her many nieces and nephews that always caused her to “light up” whenever they were around.
Edith Anderson was employed for many years by the Putnam County School System, but her retirement was from the Association of Retarded Citizens of Palatka that also recognized her as their “Teacher of the Year.”
Edith always found ways to keep herself busy during her spare time and retirement. She was passionate in reading for relaxation and enjoyment and set aside time to do so every day. She had a flare for creatively decorating rooms with elegance and style and enjoyed finding items to make occasional changes. Because Edith had a green thumb for growing flowers and plants in abundance, she lovingly gifted the extras to family and friends. An active member of Ebony Women of Palatka, Edith rendered service that provided additional educational experiences to the youth. Her most recent interest was the entrepreneurial real estate development with her beloved husband.
“When Christ shall come with shouts of acclamation, and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.” On Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022, a host of angels were waiting at heaven’s gates to usher Edith Marie Herring Anderson to eternal glory. Her legacy of love, faith, goodwill, strength, but most of all, family, will reign forever.
Her loved ones will profoundly miss Edith Marie Herring Anderson, but they have hope in the promise that they will meet again. Included are her loving and devoted husband, Glennie Anderson, of Palatka, Fla.; sister, Mildred (Tom) Jonas, of Madison, Fla.; brothers, Benjamin (Frances) Herring and Leroney (Marcia) Herring, all of Miami, Fla.; sisters-in-law, Judy Anderson, of Ayer, MA and Melanie Adams, of Belle Glade, Fla.; brother-in-law, Michael Adams, of Orlando, Fla.; her very special nieces and nephews, as well as many other loving relatives and loving friends.
Final Care and Compassionate Services were provided to the Herring-Anderson Family, with love, care and uncompromising dignity, by J.P. MOORE MORTUARY & CREMATION SERVICES, Madison, Fla., (850) 973.6677; Jamarien "J.P." Moore, Mortician.