Sarah Ruth Herring

Sarah Ruth Herring entered into her heavenly reward on October 19th, 2011 with her children by her side as she drifted home to be with the Lord. She was born on October 2nd, 1923 in Waynesburg, OH, to Rev. John and Bessie Matthews. The family later moved to Massillon, OH, where she attended Massillon City Schools. Sarah married Edgar William Herring in July of 1941. They were married for 56 years. The union was blessed with a great family that Sarah loved very much. She was the matriarch, and kept her family close having “Sunday Dinners” every Sunday at the Lawton Street home. After Edgar’s death, Sarah’s sister, Dorothy Robinson, returned to Massillon and they lived together until Dorothy passed weeks ago. Sarah was always a committed and dedicated worker. She was employed by Dr. Dale and Mrs. Loretta Hart which led to the beginning of a lifelong friendship. Later she was employed by Massillon City Hospital as a Nurse Aide. She then became a Licensed Practical Nurse and was employed at Mary Day Nursing Home. All who knew Sarah knew that she loved the Lord and she loved her church. She was a faithful charter member of Morning Star United Holy Church for 68 years, being very active in every aspect of “The Star”. She carried sacks of coal on the bus to ignite the fire in the potbelly stove to heat the church for services. She worked with the youth department and directed many plays with the children. Sarah held a variety of positions which included; Sunday School Teacher, Secretary, Financial Secretary, and President of the Usher Board. She was a licensed Missionary and the Church Mother of Morning Star, which was by far her most cherished position. Sarah cherished the roots of her family and was instrumental in helping to organize the Cheek, Cole, Matthews Reunion. Many of her happiest days were spent traveling to Carthage, NC. This was the homestead of her great grandfather Will Worthy and Aunt Margaret Williams and home of her lifelong Friend and Cousin Rev. Melba Cole. Sarah was preceded in death by her loving husband, Edgar William Herring, sisters and brother in laws, Dorothy and Cleavon Robinson and Montez and James Willis. She is survived by her children, Lynda (James) Gales, Edgar Brock (Carol) Herring, and Keith (Tammie) Herring; grandchildren, Archie (Margo) Herring, Christopher Gales, Courtney (Emily) Gales, Dr. Brockford (Dawn) Herring, Charla (Alonzo) Shell, Lauren and Keith John “K.J” Herring; brother, William Tony Matthews; step-daughter, Wanda Frazier; sisters-in-law, Mamie Gillom, Annie Arnold, and Ida Washington; special nieces, Lorraine Blocker, Montez Willis, Channon (Theo) Lemon, and Elaine Robinson; special cousins, Betty Butts and Velma Matthews; extended family, William Wesley, Jaqueline Stanley, Annie Long, Isaac Crews, Tonya Jefferson and Aaron Phillips; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews and nine great grandchildren, Channing, Camille, Marland, Archie Dean, Quinlan, Isabella, Simeon, Brockford III, and Chancellor. Special Thanks to the loving care givers; Sharlene Brown, Victoria Robison, Shamaya Woods, Lorene Brown, Erica Stinson, Monnie Mullin, Joanne Sopp, Amy Smith, The Legends Care Center, Great Lakes Hospice and Dr. Christopher Chow. Funeral services will take place on Friday, Oct. 28 at 11 AM at Morning Star Church, 1128 Walnut Road S.E. in Massillon. The family will receive friends at the Paquelet Funeral Home on Thursday from 5-8 PM and on Friday at the church from 10-11 AM. Messages of support and comfort may be sent to www.paquelet.com Paquelet A Golden Rule Funeral Home (330)833-3222