Nona Jean (Heard) Herring

Nona Jean Heard Herring, age 88, passed away on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 under the watchful eye of her loving son Todd Edward Russell.   She was born May 4, 1935, in Gadsden, AL to Herbert and Inez Heard.  

She was a member of Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church, Gadsden, AL under the patronage of Roderick Thomas.  

She was a graduate of Carver High School, class of 1954.   After finishing high school she attended nursing school.  She married Charlie James Herring in 1961.   Her two labors of love were cooking and children.  She first started working as a cook at LV Johnson Elementary, Drake Elementary, and finally Gadsden High School.  Most importantly, everyone was blessed to have eaten from her kitchen.   

Nona left the cooking profession to be a pioneer in the Childcare Industry.  Her daycare operated from 1980 to 2000.  For over two decades, she was a safe haven and provided nourishment for children in her community. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie James Herring; her daughter, Phyllis Marie Russell; her son, Gary Anthony Russell, and two grandchildren, LaTodd King and Rosilyn Russell.  

She is survived by her sons, Todd Edward Russell and Dexter Herring; her sisters, Kathryn Reeves and Frances (Chester) Williams; sisters-in-law, Rosemary Heard and Ora D. Heard; her grandchildren Farrah Russell, MD, Tovia (Tony) Watson, Carlos Russell, LaDexter Herring, LaToya Russell, Brandon (Sa’de) Hammond, and Jasmine Russell and two generations of great grandchildren.  

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